[dware]

I’ve come to realize that if churches don’t incorporate via the state to get tax exempt status they can tell the state to stuff it. Otherwise, by virtue of their incorporation they are an entity of the state and subject to its rules and regulation.

No flak from me - you are spot on. But the moment the churches relinquish tax exempt status is the moment tithes become non-tax deductible. When that happens, a portion of tithing will drop off. Can't have that, now, can we?

[seowulf]

But the moment the churches relinquish tax exempt status is the moment tithes become non-tax deductible. When that happens, a portion of tithing will drop off. Can't have that, now, can we?

I wonder what kind of tax deduction the church got from Caesar back in AD 70.

Maybe they had some other government benefits besides being fed to lions and boiled in oil or crucified.