Suppose the yoga studio did the same, had an anonymous dropbox. Does that make them tax-exempt? barfo
So the hypothetical yoga studio is simply providing their service to anyone who walks in the door, irrespective of contribution? I can't see any reason why they wouldn't be able to file for 501(c)3 status in that circumstance. They're clearly providing a public service, intending to improve the health of the community free of charge. That's wonderful
Churches in my view also sell a service and generate revenue..at least the big ones do...I say you should be taxed on profits exceeding a humble stipend for maintaining a church in the community it serves....my problem isn't with church, it's with the greed that seems to follow a large congregation starting at the top....televangelists are a prime example...talk show preachers as well. The symphony at the Hult Center in Eugene provides some great peace and comfort to many, many people or as barfo mentioned ...any spa or yoga center ...do you think churches should pass the hat for tips during a church service? I believe churches should be taxed especially since they lobby for political positioning against things like abortion or gay marriage, etc....that's not the place of church in society but it's become that. My sanctuaries for spiritual contemplation aren't connected to organized religions so people of my value system gain no benefit from churches generating big profits tax free
Speaking of which, I'll be soon snagging (when they become available) tix to Chris Botti with the Nashville Symphony! Now THAT's gonna be a church-like experience!
You'll enjoy that....he's wonderful...my wife keeps his cds in her car and we enjoy his music....music I love is church to me..church is where people exist in harmony with nature...that's also my concept of god ...wherever that occurs...you have "god"
At a risk of TMI, Chris Botti is love-making music for my wife and I. When the mood arises (pun intended), it's "Alexa, play Chris Botti music!"
We attend a relatively small church. Very, very accountable. I have no issues with how they operate and the full disclosure they provide. That said, I'd probably be much more comfortable simply meeting in a home, similar to how the first (Acts 2) church operated. I see more and more home churches popping up. They're very prevalent in other countries.
I have been to many churches in my time. Some large, some small. I have found the smaller ones to be far more genuine, less judgmental and accepting, regardless of denomination. The best church i ever attended? An all Black Baptist church in Colorado a friend took me to. They took me in (only white guy in the church of 30 some odd attendees) and I ended up attending every Sunday until I moved. I am still in contact with the person who got me to go 20 plus year agoand will never forget his, and their, kindness and open arms. WITH THAT SAID, I don't trust most churches for a few reasons. And with THAT said, something tells me yours would be trustworthy.
Sure....that was at Alton Baker Park in Eugene near Autzen stadium....they stock it regularly and when they do you have about a 2 day window before it's fished out. Tomorrow I'm going up to Leaburg and I tell nobody where my spot there is....lots of people fish next to the hatchery there but I have a spot off the beaten path
Churches do a lot of good for society. Ones that don't should be taxed and all others should not be taxed.
Ahhhh. It all makes sense now. I have been wondering why you played Chris Botti at your place when I hung out with yall in Panama City. I'm feeling fortunate that the wings were the only spicy thing in the house.
