Senate to investigate televangalists

462 Views 16 Replies 11 Participants Last post by 68908, Jan 8, 2011

bdee

Discussion Starter · Jan 7, 2011

Republican Grassley has a problem with ministers who own a bunch of cars and several mansions tax free.

http://www.ajc.com/news/atlanta/senate- ... 97304.html

Should any religious organization be tax free? Doesn't that give the government the power to decide what is a legitimate religion?

1 - 17 of 17 Posts

Phil1979

· #2 · Jan 7, 2011

If the church members willingly give the money, and the church's ruling committee pays the minister whatever they deem right, then it's none of the government's business what the minister buys, or what he uses that the church maintains ownership of.

That doesn't change my mind that many of those ministers are money lovers who preach a false gospel. But loving money and twisting the Gospel are not in the pervue of the government.

68908

· #3 · Jan 7, 2011

Government has no right.

But I will say that some of these televangelists are completely evil people in my opinion.

NTA

· #4 · Jan 7, 2011

There's one in TX who has two churches, some distance apart. His helicopter takes him to both on Sundays.

bdee

Discussion Starter · #5 · Jan 7, 2011

But by giving any religion a tax exempt status, we give the federal government the power to decide which ones are worthy.

Perhaps their income should taxed like everyone else?

TrkJky

· #6 · Jan 7, 2011

Here ya go..........

:righton:

Xiclotl

· #7 · Jan 7, 2011

bdee said:
But by giving any religion a tax exempt status, we give the federal government the power to decide which ones are worthy.

Perhaps their income should taxed like everyone else?

Yes, they should be taxed. I've met people who spoke of starting ministries like they were start-up businesses. Just a tax dodge, a way to funnel $$$ into other businesses. If you want to believe that an invisible wizard rules the universe that's your choice. But if you start buying up property and functioning like a business then you need to be taxed.

If religion can't survive without a huge government tax break, than maybe religion needs to fail...

NTA

· #8 · Jan 7, 2011

My friend's son is a minister in TX. Recently started his own church and as part of getting the business off the ground he is promising a satisfaction guarantee. His website advertises that at the end of the year he will return all of your offerings if you want.

Customer service triumphs again !

45_Fan

· #9 · Jan 7, 2011

I don't think the government should tinker. However, there is the question of whether or not the use of mansions, expensive cars, and helicopters is reported as compensation and taxes are paid accordingly.

budder

· #10 · Jan 7, 2011

45_Fan said:
I don't think the government should tinker. However, there is the question of whether or not the use of mansions, expensive cars, and helicopters is reported as compensation and taxes are paid accordingly.

The answer shouldn't surprise you.

budone1967

· #11 · Jan 7, 2011

Phil1979 said:
If the church members willingly give the money, and the church's ruling committee pays the minister whatever they deem right, then it's none of the government's business what the minister buys, or what he uses that the church maintains ownership of.

That doesn't change my mind that many of those ministers are money lovers who preach a false gospel. But loving money and twisting the Gospel are not in the pervue of the government.

Agreed, it is none of the government business what anyone spends their money on.

bdee said:
But by giving any religion a tax exempt status, we give the federal government the power to decide which ones are worthy.

Perhaps their income should taxed like everyone else?

Churches are considered to be non profits and that is why they are exempt. Has nothing to do with religion.

Xiclotl

· #12 · Jan 7, 2011

budone1967 said:
Phil1979 said:

If the church members willingly give the money, and the church's ruling committee pays the minister whatever they deem right, then it's none of the government's business what the minister buys, or what he uses that the church maintains ownership of.

That doesn't change my mind that many of those ministers are money lovers who preach a false gospel. But loving money and twisting the Gospel are not in the pervue of the government.

Click to expand...

Agreed, it is none of the government business what anyone spends their money on.

bdee said:

But by giving any religion a tax exempt status, we give the federal government the power to decide which ones are worthy.

Perhaps their income should taxed like everyone else?

Click to expand...

Churches are considered to be non profits and that is why they are exempt. Has nothing to do with religion.

BUT

unlike other non-profit organizations, are not required to make their financial statements public, even though they are tax-exempt.

http://webcache.googleusercontent.com/s ... clnk&gl=us

Apparently they want the benefit but don't want to play by the same rules. If it smells like fish it's something fishy.

Bendrr

· #13 · Jan 8, 2011

Here ya go:

bdee

Discussion Starter · #14 · Jan 8, 2011

I am sure Jesus would be horrified at the ministers of today.

Phil1979

· #15 · Jan 8, 2011

bdee said:
I am sure Jesus would be horrified at the ministers of today.

He is presently not pleased with many of them.

IrishTiger

· #16 · Jan 8, 2011

People like Eddie Long disgust me. I mean, his flamboyant (and I use that term loosely) lavishness and life of luxury is atrocious. But what's worse is his members ignorance of their donations. If they are stupid enough to give to that man, then I really don't feel sorry for them at all. Old Eddie chose to go to Tampa and speak at a church there. He couldn't take Delta or AirTranny, noooo... his church paid $7,500 for a private jet to take him there, and then thousands more once he got there. I was just trying to find the article, it was on AJC.... and I just read it, but can't find it.

It really makes me ill. That's not God's word. People like him are the work of the devil.

Edit: Oh DUH!!! It was the original article. I've read so much news this morning I can't remember things. haha :screwy:

68908

· #17 · Jan 8, 2011

IrishTiger said:
But what's worse is his members ignorance of their donations. If they are stupid enough to give to that man, then I really don't feel sorry for them at all.

Yep, and they vote. Sort of like how people get the government that they deserve.

1 - 17 of 17 Posts

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