I don't believe a church's tax exempt status reflects dependence on the state. It does, in fact, acknowledge that God's claims are higher than the State's claims. You can't tax God.
As for deducting donations, I see it as good stewardship.
10 posted on 01/16/2006 10:58:49 AM PST by Chanticleer
(Courage is not simply one of the virtues, but the form of every virtue at the testing point. Lewis)