Freedom From Religion Foundation Demands Financial Transparency By Churches

[cbayer]

http://www.forbes.com/sites/peterjreilly/2013/09/07/freedom-from-religion-foundation-demands-financial-transparency-by-churches/

Peter J Reilly, Contributor
9/07/2013 @ 2:21PM




The Freedom From Religion Foundation is on a roll. While its case against the parsonage exclusion is ongoing, it has won standing in two other cases. One case concerns political activity by churches and the other concerns the requirement to file Form 990. Standing is a real lawyerly concept. The idea is that to have access to the courts, you need to argue that the government is screwing you. If you think that the government is screwing up by being too easy on somebody else, you should write your congressman.

I have to say that I am not a great fan of FFRF. I just can’t get excited or see any harm in Ten Commandments monuments. Of course if my neighbor had an ox or a donkey that I coveted, I might feel differently. The two cases that they just got standing on have the IRS as defendant. I’m not that excited about the political activity one, but I think that they really have a good point about the 990. I do believe that the First Amendment “free exercise” clause gives churches special status.

That creates a dilemma, though. I’m currently reading the latest Salinger biography, so you will have to forgive me for stating the problem in Holden Caufield terms.

He said he talked to Jesus all the time. Even when he was driving his car. That killed me. I just see the big phony bastard shifting into first gear and asking Jesus to send him a few more stiffs.

Religion and charitable activities represent some of the highest, most beneficent aspects of humanity. As night follow day, such things will prove a magnet for sociopathic phony bastards.

more at link

[Laochtine]

1. Religion and charitable activities

You seem to equate the 2, I'm not a believer

[cbayer]

2. What in the world does this have to do with the article?

[rug]

3. I think he's saying he didn't like The Monkees.

One non sequitur is as good as another.

[cbayer]

4. Maybe he's a Belieber?

[rug]

5. Did you see this?

[cbayer]

7. OMG, that's hilarious.

[Laochtine]

8. Ty for Evaluting

My thoughts, I don't think you have it in you.
This might be fun

[skepticscott]

6. Well, gee there was this little quote

in the article:

"Religion and charitable activities represent some of the highest, most beneficent aspects of humanity."

Let's split that up...

Charitable activities represent some of the highest, most beneficent aspects of humanity.

No argument there.

Religion represents some of the highest, most beneficent aspects of humanity.

Not even close.

Trying to conflate the two is...deeply flawed..to say the least.

And can we please deflate a little here?

[Laochtine]

9. She's always been

There for me, TY

[Laochtine]

10. As much

As I rely on Forbes as a font of progressive, The monkey reference does not hit home

[cbayer]

11. The FFRF is an organization that pursues separation issues.

If you are not a believer, you might enjoy the atheist/agnostic group.
http://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=forum&id=1230

[Laochtine]

13. Ty for looking after my enjoyment

I'm always thinking about yours.

[dimbear]

12. If you think that the government is screwing up by being too easy on somebody else,

you should write your congressman.

Another way to waste your time is jigsaw puzzles.

Knitting actually produces some stuff.