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Post by HSTN2983 on May 4, 2006 16:00:37 GMT -5
there is much to be discussed here, but all i want to do is remind my readers that political affiliations in a church, republican or democrat, is against the law. a church that promotes a certain party, candidate, or platform can lose its tax exempted status. this being considered, what do you think? how many churches and/or religious organizations do you know of that break this law, and is it right, wrong, or does it even matter in the grand scheme of things?
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Post by tomah on May 6, 2006 5:43:56 GMT -5
I think this something of a joke within America to be honest. I mean Bush goes on and on about democracy, but such a law isn't democratic...is it? Everyone should be entitled to an opinion because at the end of the day, everyone will make their own decision on who to vote for.
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Post by HSTN2983 on May 6, 2006 9:54:03 GMT -5
the reason is a law is because of the first amendment's separation of church and state. a church that promotes a politician can be suspected of being funded by the government, and is in line to have its tax status revoked. now, if churches paid taxes like everyone else, received government funding, then in-church campainging would be no problem. that is why, my friend.
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Post by biblethumper on May 7, 2006 18:01:09 GMT -5
Oddly enough, a churuch here in my city in Canada (Moncton, NB, Canada) opene dthe door for government control by accepting a grant (Sheiniah Church, Moncton).
Sad to say, they didn't care to concern themselves with what others felt.
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Post by HSTN2983 on May 7, 2006 18:05:19 GMT -5
yeah, when that happens then politicians use the church for their politics agendas, and most of the time it does not work towards the citizen's or believer's favor.
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Post by tomah on May 7, 2006 18:09:48 GMT -5
the reason is a law is because of the first amendment's separation of church and state. a church that promotes a politician can be suspected of being funded by the government, and is in line to have its tax status revoked. now, if churches paid taxes like everyone else, received government funding, then in-church campainging would be no problem. that is why, my friend. But that's just a assumption. If a miracle was to happen and a man of God actually was in the position where people could vote for him, wouldn't it make sense that Christians were encouraged to support such a man? Are you allowed to say things indirectly that obviously refer to a particular person but do not mention their name or party?
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Post by HSTN2983 on May 7, 2006 18:12:28 GMT -5
no, this is not an assumption. this is an american law. look it up. heh, i may have opinions, but i do not lie...
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Post by tomah on May 7, 2006 19:13:55 GMT -5
No no, I'm not saying that YOU are assuming, I'm saying that it would be assumption to accuse a church of being supported by the government just because it agrees with the values and views of a particular politician.
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Post by HSTN2983 on May 8, 2006 3:17:16 GMT -5
haha. armen, accusations are proven innocent/guilty through a trial. i can prove that a church is a foundation for political campaigning if a local representative, for example, attends church to speak about his/her platforms. this is against the law, and not an empty assumption. however, it is not limited to this scenario...
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Post by tomah on May 8, 2006 11:47:58 GMT -5
No I don't agree that a politician should be allowed to speak in a church about his agenda, that's definately wrong.
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Post by rsmportland on May 8, 2006 16:04:14 GMT -5
there is much to be discussed here, but all i want to do is remind my readers that political affiliations in a church, republican or democrat, is against the law. a church that promotes a certain party, candidate, or platform can lose its tax exempted status. this being considered, what do you think? how many churches and/or religious organizations do you know of that break this law, and is it right, wrong, or does it even matter in the grand scheme of things? I didn't know it was illeagel, I thought it just prevented you from claiming tax exempt status. You learn something new everyday, I guess. It seems reasonable, that's what potlucks are for.
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Post by HSTN2983 on May 9, 2006 7:53:24 GMT -5
lol. i remember potlucks... where did that term come from anyway?
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Post by cervyy on May 9, 2006 10:13:13 GMT -5
my church still does potlucks once a month. We gots some good cooks at my church, MMMM
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Post by evanschaible on May 9, 2006 12:37:15 GMT -5
Sorry to be the oddball, but I advocate seperation of church and state. For this reason, If the state had power over the church we would have religous law. We would have to most likely submit to the Roman Catholics or face the inquisition. Thank God for the seperation.
And concerning the whole thing with a man of God in office, I quote Ravenhill, "You cant legislate righteousness." Revival is the only hope for this nation. The church has no place in politics. If the church today was the church then, we would be hated by the government. Was Elijah ever invited to the capitol? What about Paul? Who cares about the tax exempt status anyway, really!
In the grand scheme it does matter. We must all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.
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Post by HSTN2983 on May 10, 2006 21:07:19 GMT -5
i agree that the church has no place in politics, but tell that to the republican party...the democrats have been trying to tell americans that for years!
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Post by Morluna on May 13, 2006 2:40:58 GMT -5
At the church I used to attend near my parents' house, they LITERALLY got up in the pulpit and said, "Christians should support Bush and vote for him this November." Like, that's a direct quote from the pastor.
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Post by tomah on May 13, 2006 8:34:58 GMT -5
I would say that they regret that now!
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Post by Morluna on May 13, 2006 9:35:06 GMT -5
Heh... I dunno... most of them probably don't... which is REALLY scary to me.... how people can be so blind...
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Post by wanderingtrekker on May 16, 2006 11:22:25 GMT -5
I would say that they regret that now! What could the president do, exactly to make you happy? I think he has been a terrible president, and you agree, but you think so because he hasn't done what? THIS BOARD MAY BE MONITORED FOR QUALITY ASSURANCE. BIG BROTHER IS WATCHING
IGNORANCE IS STRENGTH WAR IS PEACE SLAVERY IS FREEDOM
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Post by HSTN2983 on May 16, 2006 12:59:04 GMT -5
morluna, if you can get a tape recording of that sermon (if they do that), or somehow prove he said that...you can prosecute them to the full extent of the law. they will lose their tax-exempt status, and will really cease to be a church.
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