Should churches pay taxes?
Introduction. In spite of those who want to deny it, America was founded on the premise of religious freedom and the creation of an environment which allowed and was even conducive to the exercise of religion. As stated in our constitution's first amendment as part of the "Bill of Rights", "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion [a.k.a. a government-mandated state denomination many had fled from in Europe], or prohibiting the free exercise thereof". To encourage this, early lawmakers made churches exempt from taxation.
The work of the church. The church is the pillar and ground of the truth (1 Tim. 3: 15). The local church preaches the pure gospel in order to save the souls of sinful men (Gal. 1: 6-9; Rom. 1: 16), and edify the saved (Eph. 4: 11-16). When there is a physical need, members are financially assisted by the church (Acts 4: 11; 1 Cor. 16: 1-2). This is the work of the church that Jesus established (Matt. 16: 18).
Religion today is often big business. Frankly, many religions today do not limit themselves to the spiritual mission of the Lord's church. Unlike the early church Jesus established, they are into real estate, the social gospel, and making money. Their ministers are more like corporate managers than preachers. And the tax breaks for religion are being shamefully abused and exploited. In some cases, businesses and companies struggle to compete with churches that are also businesses because of these tax breaks. Just about every financial pursuit is presently seen characterizing the denominational world (e.g., property rentals, day care/preschools, music/art/cooking classes, cafes, fitness centers, farmer's markets, thrift stores, orphanages, and such). Beloved, it is an undeniable fact that much of organized religion today is secular in nature and activity.
Should churches pay taxes? Wise government recognizes and appreciates the influence of real religion - morally, sociologically, and even economically. But to the extent that modern churches depart from the spiritual mission of the Lord's church and encroach on the financial mission of for-profit businesses, then they need to be prepared to be treated like one, including paying taxes.
The work of the church. The church is the pillar and ground of the truth (1 Tim. 3: 15). The local church preaches the pure gospel in order to save the souls of sinful men (Gal. 1: 6-9; Rom. 1: 16), and edify the saved (Eph. 4: 11-16). When there is a physical need, members are financially assisted by the church (Acts 4: 11; 1 Cor. 16: 1-2). This is the work of the church that Jesus established (Matt. 16: 18).
Religion today is often big business. Frankly, many religions today do not limit themselves to the spiritual mission of the Lord's church. Unlike the early church Jesus established, they are into real estate, the social gospel, and making money. Their ministers are more like corporate managers than preachers. And the tax breaks for religion are being shamefully abused and exploited. In some cases, businesses and companies struggle to compete with churches that are also businesses because of these tax breaks. Just about every financial pursuit is presently seen characterizing the denominational world (e.g., property rentals, day care/preschools, music/art/cooking classes, cafes, fitness centers, farmer's markets, thrift stores, orphanages, and such). Beloved, it is an undeniable fact that much of organized religion today is secular in nature and activity.
Should churches pay taxes? Wise government recognizes and appreciates the influence of real religion - morally, sociologically, and even economically. But to the extent that modern churches depart from the spiritual mission of the Lord's church and encroach on the financial mission of for-profit businesses, then they need to be prepared to be treated like one, including paying taxes.