Tax exempt status for atheist groups

[_Who Knows]

I want to know why religions are tax exempt in the first place. Why is the public/government subsidizing religion?

It's an exemption not a subsidy.

You say tomayto, i say tomahto.

[_The Nehor]

I want to know why religions are tax exempt in the first place. Why is the public/government subsidizing religion?

It's an exemption not a subsidy.

You say tomayto, I say tomahto.

I say tomatomort

[_barrelomonkeys]

I want to know why religions are tax exempt in the first place. Why is the public/government subsidizing religion?

Well it could be looked upon as subsidizing or it could be looked upon as not restricting the religion.

We (the people/government) already restrict religions. They can't do whatever they want. They have to obey the law. So how is giving them a free ride on all of their real estate holdings any different?

Can I invent a religion, call my home the church, and then be tax exempt?

Just think of the billions of dollars in lost tax revenue we should have in the public's hands.

Hey, I don't disagree with you! I'm just pointing out that there are two sides of the debate. :)

I think a Church should have to show proof of charitable works - I mean is saving souls a charitable work? - to receive the exemptions. I don't really have that big of a problem with it... but that maybe that I just don't care all that much? ;)

[_Mercury]

I want to know why religions are tax exempt in the first place. Why is the public/government subsidizing religion?

It's an exemption not a subsidy. They do it because Church's are an aid to communities. That is why many independent social programs and charities are also tax-exempt. You can't declare your home a religion but if you want to create some organization to aid your community go for it. I'd support a tax-exemption.

What if any aid to the community do most religions provide?