[Alex Murphy]

The ostensible dilemma of whether a church should seek 501(c)3 tax exemption, and with the agreement silence itself in the area of politics, is a problem created by the unspoken joint assertion that the State has pre-eminence over the Church. When tax-exempt status is something that must be acquired from the State (or can be withheld by it), seeking it becomes an act where the Church agrees with the State's unspoken position of pre-eminence over all churches.

The State will not stop muzzling churches politically, until the State recognizes the pre-eminence of God over the State itself. The State also needs to recognize the co-sovereignty of the Church over the citizenry. Until then, IMO no church should ever seek 501(c)3 status.

[GeronL]

The State also needs to recognize the co-sovereignty of the Church over the citizenry

eh? The state nor the church are soveriegn over the citizens, then they'd be subjects. Unless you meant something else.

I like the idea of a church not asking the IRS (government) permission to exist.

[JRandomFreeper]

This, being the United States of America, the people are sovereign. As God established.

Governments and Churches don't hold sovereignty here.

And if that's not clear.... I'd have to explain it in person. I choose my government. I choose my church. If you don't like that... pound sand.

/johnny

[marron]

When tax-exempt status is something that must be acquired from the State (or can be withheld by it), seeking it becomes an act where the Church agrees with the State's unspoken position of pre-eminence over all churches... no church should ever seek 501(c)3 status.

I agree with you.