I agree. I would rather be free from oversight than tax exempt. I would imagine, though, that it would affect the pastor’s salary and benefits. They are able to opt out of social security and have a tax free housing allowance (or parsonage) as a part of their salary. Pretty nice deals if you can get them.
[[I agree. I would rather be free from oversight than tax exempt.]]
Churches, Christians, conservatives, republicans will never be free from oversight- the govnerment WILL be constantly stepping in and slamming us with some charge- Recinding tax exempt status is a very bad deal- and signals the beginning of increased government oversight, not less-
The reason churches were given tax exempt status In the irst place was because churches do a tremendous amount of good for society- they help keep kids out of trouble, they minister to needy people, they feed the homeless, give shelter, care for the sick, on and on and on it goes- it was actually cheaper for the government to give tax exemptions than it would be for government ot have to take over all those jobs/services the churches provide communities- and because churches helped keep a great deal of kids out of trouble, and out of prisons, where they would become wards of the states and cost states a great deal of money- instead, many kids, thanks to help from churches, are productive tax paying citizens pulling their own weight instead of relying on government handouts-
Everyone looks jealously on churches getting tax exemptions, but they never take into account just how much good churches actually do for society
[[Pretty nice deals if you can get them.]]
Yeah? And you risk your life every day dealing with at risk youths? Caring for aids patients? Always being on call 24/7? Sacrificing your needs for the needs of others? Feeding homeless, clothing the poor? Getting the poor medical help? Having to deal with one drama after another endlessly-
They don’t have it as easy as you make out