Taxing the Church

[JohnDB]

So...got a debate.
A guy I know on my Facebook page says that a flat tax for everyone including churches would reduce taxes for everyone.

I say no way
And don't even think of taxing God or trying to subjugate God.

So he replies with and can't seem to get to a proper Hermeneutics of "render unto Caesar what is Caesar's and unto God what is God's"

Any thoughts?

 

[JohnDB]

View attachment 8616

 

[Eugene]

I do think income to the Church should have taxes assessed just as any other person’s income, pay property tax, and keep all laws of the land.

I do not believe everyone should be able to exclude approximately 10% as giving to charity on their 1040 short forms without proof, and this way they would know exactly how much various churches had as income, and we who give should be able to continuing claiming those tithes as subtracted from our gross income.

Edited to say that any church evaluating a painting, window, or other golden idol at such a value should also pay yearly taxes according to their own estimation of its value; maybe we'd end up with more churches to gather and worship in rather that brag about and stare at. Let me ask if it takes our cities less tax moneys to keep streets clean and snow removed from tax free establishments than other properties?

 

[JohnDB]

I do think income to the Church should have taxes assessed just as any other person’s income, pay property tax, and keep all laws of the land.

I do not believe everyone should be able to exclude approximately 10% as giving to charity on their 1040 short forms without proof, and this way they would know exactly how much various churches had as income, and we who give should be able to continuing claiming those tithes as subtracted from our gross income.

Exited to say that any church evaluating a painting, window, or other golden idol at such a value should also pay yearly taxes according to their own estimation of its value; maybe we'd end up with more churches to gather and worship in rather that brag about and stare at. Let me ask if it takes our cities less tax moneys to keep streets clean and snow removed from tax free establishments than other properties?

Soooo
When I give money to God...God should have to pay taxes?
As if God is a subject of the American Empire?

 

[jasonc]

Soooo
When I give money to God...God should have to pay taxes?
As if God is a subject of the American Empire?

You AREADY do.If YOUR Church HAS Paid staff.They Match Irs Taxes AND fica taxes

 

[ezrider]

Soooo
When I give money to God...God should have to pay taxes?
As if God is a subject of the American Empire?

And yet did not Jesus pay tribute?
Did not Jesus make himself subject to the Roman Empire?

 

[Eugene]

Soooo
When I give money to God...God should have to pay taxes?
As if God is a subject of the American Empire?

Jesus paid taxes to Capernaum of Galilee didn't He? Mt 17:24-27. It was called tribute and given to strangers as to not offend.

Mat 17:27 Notwithstanding, lest we should offend them, go thou to the sea, and cast an hook, and take up the fish that first cometh up; and when thou hast opened his mouth, thou shalt find a piece of money: that take, and give unto them for me and thee.

 

[reba]

I dont care if the churches are taxed maybe just maybe they would not be afraid of loosing the tax free status and start preaching the whole gospel again..

 

[JohnDB]

So God has to pay taxes?

God is just another tax payer....

 

[reba]

Joel Olsten is not God nor is Pope Francis ... jerry fallwell how long a list do ya want..

 

[Eugene]

So God has to pay taxes?

God is just another tax payer....

God wouldn't have us do something He won't do as we follow Him would He, and I don't doubt there are some things I haven't thought of.

 

[JohnDB]

Never suggested that individuals not pay taxes...

But money given to God is another subject altogether. When I give it to God it's his sole property. To subjugate God and force him to pay taxes...that was what the golden Roman Eagle above the Temple Gates signified...and led to the destruction of Israel.

 

[Rollo Tamasi]

We are the Temple of God.
We pay taxes.
Church buildings are a business.
They are corporations.
They should be taxed as corporations.
Then you'll see how fast people learn what God really wants them to do with their money.

 

[JohnDB]

Church organizations are stewards of God's money... But the money is God's.

God sets up leaders and deposes them...
The Stewards pay their taxes...man is subject to God...not the other way around.

 

[Rollo Tamasi]

No church building is God.
And no country is Christian.
You can claim anything you want to God, just don't forget to pay your taxes on it.

 

[JohnDB]

The church is not God...but the building is his.

So you think that Government should take church property and set up shopping malls?

I know many downtown churches afraid of just such things....

 

[Eugene]

The church is not God...but the building is his.

I thought we as members of the body of Christ was the Church???

 

[reba]

Never suggested that individuals not pay taxes...

But money given to God is another subject altogether. When I give it to God it's his sole property. To subjugate God and force him to pay taxes...that was what the golden Roman Eagle above the Temple Gates signified...and led to the destruction of Israel.

So in comes Romans 13
And the Words of Jesus .. give unto Caesar
Is there anything that is not Gods.

 

[jasonc]

So in comes Romans 13
And the Words of Jesus .. give unto Caesar
Is there anything that is not Gods.

Some men's hearts

 

[reba]

The church is not God...but the building is his.

So you think that Government should take church property and set up shopping malls?

I know many downtown churches afraid of just such things....

I knew lots of churches in old store fronts so there