FREE TAPATALK APP

thaiboxerken · 23rd May 2003, 01:37 PM

http://www.usatoday.com/news/religio...-1acover_x.htm

Mostly evangelical in doctrine, megachurches have changed the religious experience for thousands of worshippers who come from miles around for more than sermons and prayers. Usually founded or headed by charismatic pastors, the market-savvy churches target busy baby boomers and their kids, promoting one-stop shopping under their roofs. Take in a sermon, work out marital problems, then work out at the health club. Sip a latte at the coffee shop, browse in the bookstore and make a deposit at the credit union.

Here is another example of why churches should be taxed. Non-profit my ass!

Man of jade · 23rd May 2003, 01:41 PM

Might I ask how many "mega churches" there are, compared to the average church? After that ill leave you alone on this topic.

thaiboxerken · 23rd May 2003, 01:49 PM

If you read the article, you'd see that there are over 700 of these churches and more are springing up. I've 3 in one neighborhood in Virginia Beach alone.

There are a vast number of smaller churches, but the current laws do not stop these churches from making huge profits or even having to abide by zone restrictions.

Read the article.

Prophets = Profits

Nyarlathotep · 23rd May 2003, 04:01 PM

Interesting article.

I think churches should be considered just another non-profit organization and should receive neither more nor less protection under the law than any secular non-profit group.

Someone can correct me if I am wrong but didn't Scientology get its non-profit revoked because of its commercial ventures? I seem to recall that but I am not sure.

Of course in todays political climate I doubt there is a politician witht he guts to go after a mainstream church in that way but it is what I think they should do.

KS_SKEPTIC · 25th May 2003, 07:46 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by thaiboxerken
If you read the article, you'd see that there are over 700 of these churches and more are springing up. I've 3 in one neighborhood in Virginia Beach alone.

There are a vast number of smaller churches, but the current laws do not stop these churches from making huge profits or even having to abide by zone restrictions.

Read the article.

Prophets = Profits

Is that why they call it THE 700 CLUB?

ha ha ha ha
Take a look at this!!!

http://www.internetparodies.org/faith.html

Whoracle · 25th May 2003, 09:46 PM

If they taxed churches it would just be the people who attend the church who pay anyway. But hey, I have no problems with that at all. At least there is no "megachurch" in my town.

23rd May 2003, 01:37 PM	#1
thaiboxerken Penultimate Amazing Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Portland, Oregon Posts: 21,076	Tax the Church! http://www.usatoday.com/news/religio...-1acover_x.htm Mostly evangelical in doctrine, megachurches have changed the religious experience for thousands of worshippers who come from miles around for more than sermons and prayers. Usually founded or headed by charismatic pastors, the market-savvy churches target busy baby boomers and their kids, promoting one-stop shopping under their roofs. Take in a sermon, work out marital problems, then work out at the health club. Sip a latte at the coffee shop, browse in the bookstore and make a deposit at the credit union. Here is another example of why churches should be taxed. Non-profit my ass!
	__________________ All national institutions of churches, whether Jewish, Christian or Turkish, appear to me no other than human inventions, set up to terrify and enslave mankind, and monopolize power & profit - Thomas Paine

23rd May 2003, 01:41 PM	#2
Man of jade Scholar Join Date: Jan 2003 Posts: 124	Might I ask how many "mega churches" there are, compared to the average church? After that ill leave you alone on this topic.
Man of jade Scholar Join Date: Jan 2003 Posts: 124

23rd May 2003, 01:49 PM	#3
thaiboxerken Penultimate Amazing Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Portland, Oregon Posts: 21,076	If you read the article, you'd see that there are over 700 of these churches and more are springing up. I've 3 in one neighborhood in Virginia Beach alone. There are a vast number of smaller churches, but the current laws do not stop these churches from making huge profits or even having to abide by zone restrictions. Read the article. Prophets = Profits
	__________________ All national institutions of churches, whether Jewish, Christian or Turkish, appear to me no other than human inventions, set up to terrify and enslave mankind, and monopolize power & profit - Thomas Paine

23rd May 2003, 04:01 PM	#4
Nyarlathotep Philosopher Join Date: Mar 2003 Posts: 7,514	Interesting article. I think churches should be considered just another non-profit organization and should receive neither more nor less protection under the law than any secular non-profit group. Someone can correct me if I am wrong but didn't Scientology get its non-profit revoked because of its commercial ventures? I seem to recall that but I am not sure. Of course in todays political climate I doubt there is a politician witht he guts to go after a mainstream church in that way but it is what I think they should do.
	__________________ Why stay sane in a sick world?

25th May 2003, 07:46 PM	#5
KS_SKEPTIC Scholar Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Kansas Posts: 121	Quote: Originally posted by thaiboxerken If you read the article, you'd see that there are over 700 of these churches and more are springing up. I've 3 in one neighborhood in Virginia Beach alone. There are a vast number of smaller churches, but the current laws do not stop these churches from making huge profits or even having to abide by zone restrictions. Read the article. Prophets = Profits Is that why they call it THE 700 CLUB? ha ha ha ha Take a look at this!!! http://www.internetparodies.org/faith.html
	__________________ Evey Hammond: Are you like a... crazy person? V: I'm quite sure they will say so. V: What was done to me was monstrous. Evey Hammond: And they created a monster. V: People should not be afraid of their governments. Governments should be afraid of their people.

25th May 2003, 09:46 PM	#6
Whoracle Suspended Join Date: May 2003 Location: South of Heaven Posts: 343	If they taxed churches it would just be the people who attend the church who pay anyway. But hey, I have no problems with that at all. At least there is no "megachurch" in my town.