O'Reilly - Will Gay Marriage take Church tax exemption away?

[Cato]

Exempting charitable organizations from tax obligation is an appropriate incentive because it lessens the burden that would otherwise be born by citizens through government taxation. I also assume that legitimate charities are more efficient than the government at getting resources to those in need. For this reason, I agree with exempting religious charitable activities. I think this was last addressed in the U.S. Congress in the 60s. Basically the argument was, "we believe in God so you can trust us". Someone has to be a complete fucking moron not to see the rampant abuse as things currently stand.

Change the law, exempt the charitable activities and open religious organizations' books to audit.

[KUSA]

It's just another sign of the persecution complex so many conservatives seem to have.

Fear mongering at its worst.

I can't understand how disagreeing with them equals persecution.

[Dystopia]

Exempting charitable organizations from tax obligation is an appropriate incentive because it lessens the burden that would otherwise be born by citizens through government taxation. I also assume that legitimate charities are more efficient than the government at getting resources to those in need. For this reason, I agree with exempting religious charitable activities. I think this was last addressed in the U.S. Congress in the 60s. Basically the argument was, "we believe in God so you can trust us". Someone has to be a complete fucking moron not to see the rampant abuse as things currently stand.

Change the law, exempt the charitable activities and open religious organizations' books to audit.

I'd go one step further as stated in my earlier reply - If your main goal is not profit, you shouldn't be income taxed. You can get your property tax if you own significant amounts of immovable properties and so on, but you can't tax someone's income if they don't seek profit. Not seeking profit may be charitable, but it may not be - If your main goal is to spread the christian faith, or simply listen to someone in the confession room, that is not a pro-profit activity.

I understand that for atheists it is very easy to say churches should be heavily taxed, but the truth is that, after assuming an impartial position, taking churches makes as much sense as taxing any other non-profit organization. Ok, they have money, but it's because believers donate shitloads of it, specially rich believers, it's not like the church is doing business like major corporations only with the goal of getting rich. They don't need it