Why can't we regulate the extremist fundamentalists?

[BushOut06]

Don't give me that "freedom of religion" nonsense. We already regulate religion. This government has no problem restricting what it considers "fringe" religious beliefs (peyote is the most immediate thing that comes to mind).

Extremist fundamentalism is a very real threat to our society. They propagate hatred towards gays and other minorities. With their "endtime" beliefs, they attempt to directly influence world events - and not for the better. They pretend to be nonpartisan, but in reality they practically tell their voters to either vote GOP or risk going to hell. I've actually heard some fundies infer that voting Democrat is a sin.

I'm not saying we need to ban these groups - that would be too hard to do, and just isn't practical. But we sure as hell can take away their tax-exempt status! Many of these so-called churches have no problem fleecing their flocks, while the church leaders live lives of luxury. They have no problem telling their parishoners to fork over 10% of their paycheck (plus offerings), then funneling that money into GOP coffers. If Jesus were alive, he would march into these churches and overturn the tables.

If they preach or practice discrimination, take their tax-exempt status away. If they're taking money from the congregation and giving it to political candidates, take it away. If they're running a for-profit business (ie running a bookstore), tax it. I think these ideas would help go a long way in trying to reign in some of the danger posed by these groups. Note that none of these actually infringe on their right to believe in what they want. If they want to believe that the earth is 6000 years old and that man coexisted with dinosaurs, let them. If they want to roll around on the floor speaking gibberish, I have no problem with that. It's when their actions start affecting the outside world that we need to take action.

[ck4829]

1. Because the Extremist Fundamentalists are in charge of regulating things?

[rinsd]

2. "Don't give me that "freedom of religion" nonsense"

In addtion to that steaming load this is filled with so many straw men, its ridiculous.

[BushOut06]

6. Huh?

The first usual response to religion and tax-exempt status is freedom of religion. I was merely pointing out that we ALREADY restrict religion in this country, when it's deemed to be in the overall public interest.

[rinsd]

7. "we ALREADY restrict religion in this country"

I think you used an incorrect example. In 1993 peyote use by tribes in religious cermonies was given freedom of religion protection. Snake handling is still I think.

"
Many of these so-called churches have no problem fleecing their flocks, while the church leaders live lives of luxury. They have no problem telling their parishoners to fork over 10% of their paycheck (plus offerings), then funneling that money into GOP coffers."

The tax exemption status is actual a bulwark against the other problems you mention. Without it you remove any government oversight. While I agree that a chruch that is obviously partisan politicking should go thru due process to lose that status elimnating it entirrely is a bad idea. And tithing is not something limited to fundamentalists. It is a large part of many religions.

"If they preach or practice discrimination, take their tax-exempt status away."

That is a freedom of speech issue beyond religion.

"If they're running a for-profit business (ie running a bookstore), tax it."

I'm fairly sure that a church bookstore does not enjoy tax exempt status.

Here's a good comprehensive article on freedom of religion and tax exempt status.

http://www.ombwatch.org/article/articleview/2852/1/41?TopicID=2

[Warpy]

3. The peyote ceremony has been winning more lawsuits

that it has been losing, so that particular freedom of religion isn't as endangered as it once was.

However, we need Christians with strong stomachs and mini recorders to go to these mega and fundy churches to try to record sermons pushing the GOP, Stupid, and political issues. Then back it up with a transcript to the IRS combined with a formal complaint. Photos of campaign literature in the vestibule, copies of voter guides, and other clear violations of separation would be nice to document, also. Keep the originals, you may need them if there's a court case. Send a copy to the ACLU, too.

Hit those charlatans where it will hurt the worst. Not only will they have to pay taxes, they'll have to open their books and show how much faith based initiative money was laundered through the church and into the RNC coffers.

[FormerDem06]

4. Once you remove their Tax Exempt status, they can campaign

Right out in the open from the pulpit. They can also start demanding that "The State" take on more religious views because the wall between the two would have been shattered.

But hey, whatever works for ya.

[Ellis Wyatt]

5. Remove their tax exempt status

for no other reason than it's bullshit. I don't care what they are preaching, what their politics are, how wonderful they treat the poor and indigent, there is absolutely no reason for any religious organization to be tax exempt.

They want to be tax exempt like a charity, fine. Be a charity and report like a charity.

[NaturalHigh]

8. Who gets to decide which are "extreme"?