General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: Should Churches Be Taxed? [View all]Wella
(1,827 posts)And I thought a percentage measure was probably a more accurate way to assess what the church was actually doing. Some churches run orphanages and schools in poor areas across the world. One Lutheran church I know had a large focus (money and time) on an orphanage in Mexico. Many church members had actually done some time down there, helping build the place or helping the kids with clothing, food, teachers, education, etc. Those are good people and we don't want to discourage that kind of activity. It truly derives from the Gospel.
On the other hand, you've got very wealthy preachers who are busy making personal financial empires and doing very little for the needy. They are "false prophets" if you want to get Biblical about it. These people abuse religion and their earnings need to be taxed like any business.