Most definitely. I don't discuss politics in person, unless it is forced on me. I have the same system in place with my conservative Christian family. I don't "appreciate" religion like some others, but I feel I have my own set of values and morality that works for me. Maris and I have actually texted recently. Looks like hanging won't work out this summer, but possibly next year at some point.
Honestly? Top five in experiences/memories of my life. Wouldn’t trade anything for that. FYI, this was in the mid 90’s.
Well!!! It is very relaxing unlike sex, but better? I think thats up for debate. Lets find out shall we?
I'd debate it if only I could remember what sex was. Funny how I've never forgotten fishing even though I can no longer do it.
Back to church and taxes....it seems that non profit needs to be defined more specifically to me. The Red Cross is non profit designed for donations and charitable contributions as is the Buddhist Tsu Chi foundation...I think if you are handling large amounts of money in the name of you religious organization it needs to be put to humanitarian use and not to buy private jets and mansions...I like the Quaker approach..they have no church but meet once a week in each other's homes in small groups....no money exchanges hands around their faith. They also refuse to go to war for religious reasons...a very sensible form of Christianity from what I've read and seen...I'm not religious any more but have been in a chapter of my life....I have enjoyed temples in Asia..Easter Mass in a cathedral and Southern Baptist black revivals when I first went to New Orleans. I've also seen Sufi dervishes at the Palace of Fine Arts in SF perform their whirling prayer dance and in the same show saw Tibetan Monks playing those 20 ft long trumpets that sound like a science fiction movie soundtrack....it's all wonderful...I should include the Hopi rain dance at the 4 corners and yes...at the end of the dance, it rained!
Yes. We taxpayers are subsidizing religion to the tune of billions of dollars annually. And many openly engage in political activity. Let them fund themselves.
A lot of organizations are eligible for property tax exemptions. Fraternal organizations like the Elks (which, let’s face it, are primarily drinking establishments with a charitable bent) don’t pay property taxes. Schools, as long as they are not for profit can qualify for an exemption. Literary organizations, charitable institutions, scientific organizations and others that are generally seen as beneficial to society and not about making a profit all have the ability to be free of property taxes. I would think an atheist organization designed to promote science and do public services would qualify. These discussions usually single out churches because some folks don’t like organized religion.
I think it's quite a difference given the political clout and enormous wealth that is generated by televangelists and fundamentalist lobbyists...organized religion....our money says In God We Trust...not In Science Do We Trust......I don't dislike religion in general...I dislike greed and a lack of separation between church and state....I don't have that problem with science and state or the Elks club and state...atheists aren't telling people not to have babies or giving donations to that cause. Religion should be personal and private but not dictating our laws or policies in general.
