Religion / Government

The founding fathers composed the Constitution and shortly afterward discovered it did not adequately guaranty civil liberties. In 1791 they added the Bill of Rights, and the very first declaration was that government should not establish a national religion nor should it prefer one religion over another. There were two purposes. (1) To protect religion from governmental intrusion, and (2) to protect the government from the intrusion of religion.

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The rule was bent slightly when the government granted a tax exemption for churches and church properties. They did it to promote the community churches for the common good. A vocal minority is now making this tax exemption an issue.

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Churches, Synagogues and Temples each promote their concept of theology and teach their religious traditions. Most of them also draw people together and provide a sense of community, fellowship, compassion and scholarship to their members.

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Early Americans were strongly influenced by Judea-Christian values and the lessons of the HOLY BIBLE. Most religious leaders however, in deference to the First Amendment, tempered their political opinions. Then, over many years they began a subtle intrusion into partisan politics. Today most religious leaders consider it their duty to make their opinions and advice widely known by the voting public. There is no doubt they want the power to influence and dominate American politics. Doesn't this activity violate the intention of the amended Constitution?

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By granting TAX EXEMPTION the government gives financial assistance to religious organizations that, in turn, exercize their FREEDOM OF SPEECH to promote their influence of government. If the rule is that they should not do this, does it then mean they may not address hot button issues like abortion, illegal aliens, homosexuality, and so forth? These issues, for example, are found on most partisan political platforms.

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(1) I think churches have every right to comment on social issues, and can do so without addressing partisan politics.

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(2) Churches should never advocate breaking the laws. If a law is a bad law in the eyes of the church they should advocate changing it. They should do this without concern for partisan politics.

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(3) Abortion, homosexuality, the death penalty, inhuman treatment and so forth are all sensitive issues. Opinions on these "hot button" issues, including church leaders, can be discussed without involving partisan politics.

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ABUSES

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Lastly, this discussion would not be complete without a comment about the abuses of the tax laws. Churches can be a gold mine for their leaders, some of whom have executive jet airplanes, multi-million dollar homes, ocean going yachts, expensive art collections, and other extravagances. They are spending tax exempt money taken from donation plates. It's legal - but not ethically and morally acceptable.

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Thankfully, only a few of these charlatans are involved. They disgrace their theological privilege and endanger the concept of church tax exemption.

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Think about it.