[Steve Newton]

Hey Star Traveler

Have done a little research since the last version. As I understand it, if it is determined that Islam is NOT a religion, they can revoke the tax exempt status based on administrative concerns which is not unconstitutional.

[Star Traveler]

The question there ... is ... what governmental agency would then be granted the authority to make a determination on whether something qualifies as a religion?

Then, once you identify that governmental agency that does that ... then where in the US Constitution would grant that authority. Or better yet ... what section of the US Constitution would override the “First Amendment” in our Bill of Rights?

— — —

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

— — —

The First Amendment (Amendment I) to the United States Constitution prohibits the making of any law respecting an establishment of religion, impeding the free exercise of religion, abridging the freedom of speech, infringing on the freedom of the press, interfering with the right to peaceably assemble or prohibiting the petitioning for a governmental redress of grievances. It was adopted on December 15, 1791, as one of the ten amendments that constitute the Bill of Rights.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/First_Amendment_to_the_United_States_Constitution#Establishment_of_religion

[Star Traveler]

There is some thinking ... already ... that a religious organization (church) does NOT need the 501(c)(3) recognition from IRS ... but rather ... they are AUTOMATICALLY EXEMPT.

You might also consider that one ... :-) ...

[Star Traveler]

Note this from another web page ...

According to the IRS documents “Churches that meet the requirements of IRC section 501(c)(3) are automatically considered tax exempt and are not required to apply for and obtain recognition of tax-exempt status from the IRS.”

http://www.cbfnc.org/finances/church-tax-exempt-status-

[DoodleDawg]

As I understand it, if it is determined that Islam is NOT a religion, they can revoke the tax exempt status based on administrative concerns which is not unconstitutional.

James Madison wrote, "Who does not see that the same authority which can establish Christianity, in exclusion of all other Religions, may establish with the same ease any particular sect of Christians, in exclusion of all other Sects?" Well the same authority that decides Islam is not a religion could just as easily decide the same about Catholics or Baptists or Jews. Your idea is a very slippery path that is not worth going down.