Should churches pay taxes?
Introduction. In spite of all who want to deny it, America was founded on the premise of religious freedom and the creation of an environment which allows and is even conducive to the exercising of religion. To encourage the aforementioned, the 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 edifies the saved (Eph. 4: 11-16). When there is a physical need, the saints are financially assisted by the church (Acts 4, 11; 1 Cor. 16: 1, 2). This is the church as Jesus established her (Matt. 16: 18).
Religion today is often big business. Frankly, many religions today do not have a spiritual mission. Their interests are not those of the early church and the Lord's church today, but big business. Unlike the early church Jesus established, they are into real estate, the social gospel, and making money. Their ministers are more corporate managers than preachers. Many of the tax breaks for religion are being shamefully abused and exploited. In some cases, businesses and companies cannot compete with some churches, which are also businesses, because of the tax breaks for these so-called churches. Just about every financial pursuit is presently seen characterizing the denominational world. Beloved, it is an undeniable fact that much of organized religion today is secular in nature and activity.
Should churches pay taxes? I am not sure how to answer this question. Wise government recognizes and appreciates the influence of real religion - morally, sociologically, and even economically. Should government assume the role of determining which religion should be tax exempt (a religion or business)? I am afraid this would result in more problems than cures.
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 edifies the saved (Eph. 4: 11-16). When there is a physical need, the saints are financially assisted by the church (Acts 4, 11; 1 Cor. 16: 1, 2). This is the church as Jesus established her (Matt. 16: 18).
Religion today is often big business. Frankly, many religions today do not have a spiritual mission. Their interests are not those of the early church and the Lord's church today, but big business. Unlike the early church Jesus established, they are into real estate, the social gospel, and making money. Their ministers are more corporate managers than preachers. Many of the tax breaks for religion are being shamefully abused and exploited. In some cases, businesses and companies cannot compete with some churches, which are also businesses, because of the tax breaks for these so-called churches. Just about every financial pursuit is presently seen characterizing the denominational world. Beloved, it is an undeniable fact that much of organized religion today is secular in nature and activity.
Should churches pay taxes? I am not sure how to answer this question. Wise government recognizes and appreciates the influence of real religion - morally, sociologically, and even economically. Should government assume the role of determining which religion should be tax exempt (a religion or business)? I am afraid this would result in more problems than cures.