Ed Brayton writes:
But there is an inherent danger in having the government decide which religions deserve protection and which do not, which are “legitimate” and which are not, especially since all religions are ultimately illegitimate. On the other hand, it seems absolutely clear to me that Scientology was created for the sole purpose of being a swindle, a con, a way to make money. I don’t think that’s true of other religions, even if they all do have adherents who find a way to get rich from it. It’s a very tough issue for me.
He’s right, it’s a tough issue. I suggest making a distinction: a free society should protect religious belief and religious speech, but religious institutions should not receive any more protection than any other organization. In other words, it should not be legal to discriminate against individuals for having or promoting religious beliefs, but religious institutions should not receive any additional benefits not available to other institutions or organizations.
In particular, religious institutions should not be exempt from accountability with respect to their constituents. If they make promises to their adherents that involve being paid or otherwise compensated for things, then they should be just as accountable as any other institution for delivering what they promised. And in cases where it’s disputable whether or not they kept their end of the bargain, the consumer should have the benefit of the doubt. The religious institution received tangible benefit from the consumer, and should therefore be obligated to prove that it provided tangible benefit to the consumer, or face appropriate breach-of-contract penalties.
Yeah, I know, I should also wish for a pony while I’m at it. But the first step in fixing a broken system is determining what a working system would look like.
I think that is a good point. I don’t want people’s religious beliefs messed with (as long as those beliefs don’t involve hurting other people). But the “church” should be treated like any othe 501(c) non-profit. Including the part about not making a profit.
Until we can bring into question the unearned respect that religion enjoys, it will be difficult to reduce the special treatment their institutions enjoy.
Of course the “I hate religion but love Jesus” people would be head-exploding pissed off if we were to suggest that means they should be giving up their tax exemptions and parsonage allowances.
Eliminate their tax exemption and deference shown to them by laws and authorities and the need for the state to differentiate between legitimate and illegitimate, and profit centered or service centered, forms evaporates. Treat them like any other group that gathers because of a common interest.
People gather because they call each other Catholic, but they also gather because they collect PEZ dispensers. Why should one be tax exempt or get special consideration if the other doesn’t?
Treat them the same and here is no issue to strain over. No tough cal to make. It is the implicit assumption that the activities are inherently different that causes the confusion.
Interesting that the contratemps-du-jour is about Scientology, since that is, in effect, the United States’ quasi-official religion. Its members receive tax breaks specifically forbidden to those of any other church or “church.”
(Google “Sklar v. Commissioner” for details.)
I would think that a first step towards rational treatment of religion would be an executive order to the IRS overturning that particular benefit. And I’d think even the fundies would agree.
…unless of course institutions are people…
The entire point of a secular government is to protect all religions though. I think that’s a point the Christofascists miss; secular government != atheist government. As an atheist, I don’t want an atheist government; it infringes on the right of conscience of believers.
That said, yes, I don’t think they should be tax exempt and I sure as hell don’t approve of the Church of $cientology gaming the system. That is a scam if I ever saw one. Nail them with RICO and shut them down.