Quote:
Originally Posted by MattLarson
In these tough budget times, I am at a loss as to why certain religious activities which bring in millions of dollars are exempt from the tax collector.
Now, I understand why a small church might need tax-exempt status to survive. But these shopping-mall sized churches that are popping up would seem to indicate that there are quite a few congregations that are flush with cash. Seems a bit unfair that they don't have to contribute to the tax rolls to me.
Matt
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It is interesting how tax exempt status has given rise to mega churches. One popped up near where I live, and it is the size of a shopping mall, and they own buildings on all the surrounding blocks. And as evangelical mega churches have become more and more political, it makes sense from a political standpoint, as you can influence larger numbers of people through mega churches. When do they cross the line from being a religious institution into becoming a political cult? Don't mind me, just thinking freely--not making much sense.
But when the organizers of these churches now live in large houses, drive expensive cars, and travel on lavish vacations, I think we've passed the point of being legitimate religious institutions. When you have 4,000 parishioners giving 10% of their income to your church, you have a lot of power.
I don't know, it's a slippery slope, but probably needs to be revisited as to what is acceptably tax exempt.