As we all (should) know by now, Christian Churches are not charitable organisations (despite doing some charity work). They are profit-making institutions that should pay taxes just like any other business. For example, the Roman Catholic Church has an estimated wealth of around thirty billion dollars and whatever little charity work they have ever done certainly doesn't really show since most of their subjects live in abject poverty.
Yet why do governments and legislations still exempt both religious and charitable organisations from paying tax?
Also, Christian Churches have an appalling history of systemic abuse, deprivation of civil and human rights and promotion of anti-social behaviour. They have failed dismally in living up to their self-concocted image of doing any good for mankind. So, as well as rightfully imposing taxes on Churches, should we also not impose hefty duties and restrictions upon them?
For example, tobacco products carry heavy duties and taxes on them, partly as a deterrent and also to compensate for the increasing burden that smoking imposes on our health systems and workplaces.
Perhaps we could tax churches on all donations, interest and property investments and adopt a system whereby church-goers are levied an additional duty or surcharge each time they attend a Church or utilize online religious services. Also, perhaps there should be restrictions on children attending churches (R18, for example) and heavy penalties imposed on those who promote religion to minors.
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