Chris OConnor wrote:I don't know much about this subject so correct me here if I say something incorrect. All nonprofits don't have to pay taxes and that includes American Atheists and all churches. So far I am happy with that.
But aren't churches given latitude that other non profit organizations are not given in that their finances are not scrutinized by the IRS? How is it that televangelists are able to become ridiculously wealthy and own multiple mansions and private jets while still being simply a non profit organization?
The American Atheists were granted tax exemption status because the government defined their organization as a religion. The reasoning was that both Buddhism and Taoism do not have deities central to their beliefs but are still considered religions. Although The American Atheists objected to the court's rationale, they evidently do not mind it too much if it lead to tax exemption status for them. That seems a bit hypocritical to me.
I think churches are given more latitude than other non profits, making it easier for them to navigate IRS red tape. That's what seemed to be the AA's gripe all along.
Seems to me like a bunch of non believers concerned about what believers are getting away with when you and I know if they were truly intellectually honest about this they'd be just as concerned with how much mega corporations get away with as well, in our secular society. We're talking billions there.
I have always frowned on mega churches and their mega rich pastors. It's clearly a racket.
Having said all that, you know where I stand re atheism: when atheism becomes proselytizing, it's a religion.