Bottom line, if a religion is started simply to make use of our tax codes, it is unethical which, by my standards, is abominable. Why? Because the non-profit status given to religious organizations exempts them from paying taxes. Which means the rest of us are left shouldering their responsibility.
If you find the practice abominable, then it can be eliminated simply by removing the religious exemption. But, as long as the government is PRECLUDED from deciding what a religion IS or what it ISN'T, SOME people might establish a church based upon, oh I dunno, maybe the teachings of Popeye.. Legend has it that HE is the author of, "I yam what I yam, and that's all that I yam". Wow. That's kinda profound. They might even call it the Eye of The Pope Church, and make themselves a Monsignor.
But, I don't know anybody who would DO that.. Do you??
Yes, my old boss would if he had thought of it first.
Staying in the vein of the teachings of Popeye, have you heard of the Church of Euthanasia? The guy who started it was having some fun but then decided to apply for non-profit status. And he has it.
The Church of Scientology, Joel Osteen, and all his predecessors such as Jimmy Swaggart, Ted Haggard, & Jim Bakker. I don't know about the Church of Euthanasia but I'm sure you know that the others have/had amassed a great deal of wealth at one time or another. Without that sweet tax benefit, the head of Scientology & Joel Osteen wouldn't be living in the lap of luxury as they are now.
BTW, you seem to be confusing the Constitution with the IRS tax code. The code can (and should!) be adjusted. I do think all religious groups should not be allowed to apply for & receive non-profit status. But, I know it's not going to happen. Maybe if I tweet out to the Great Pumpkin elect he might look into it. I'm sure he would do something about it. After all, he is all about helping the little guy. Right? Right?
What does, "how you define it", mean?? Is it MY definition that counts, or the government's? What if I say my religion is centered around roses. Should THAT give me a religious tax exemption?
excon
This post was edited by excon at January 8, 2017 4:44 PM MST
It's business. I'm surprised that somebody using a name like Ex Con would find it unusual that the moguls of the religion industry would try to maximise their profits. :D
Harry 