Alright, let's just knock it off with the logical arguments, alright? Big-time religion wants power, influence, and money just like everybody else, and they want to pay no taxes, just like everybody else. How do you do that? It's obvious. You make up a wacky sciency-fictioney story and enthrall millions with it. People are idiots. Rich and powerful people know this.

Love this quote:

"And yet, Land says: "Before we marry the guy next door, don't you think we ought to have a fling with a tall dark stranger and see if he can support us in the manner to which we'd like to be accustomed? And if he can't, we can always marry the steady beau who lives next door."

So, they're advocating for gay flings, followed by settling for the guy next door anyway?

DarnoKonrad: Because Jesus famously said "Render unto God the things which are Caesar's, and unto God the things that are God's too -- and while you're at it, get filthy stinking rich and self-righteous in my name. It's party time! Suck it Magdalene."

And when he rose from the dead, he probably went back to Pilate's place and said "U mad?"

/for the holy lulz

And yet, Land says: "Before we marry the guy next door, don't you think we ought to have a fling with a tall dark stranger and see if he can support us in the manner to which we'd like to be accustomed? And if he can't, we can always marry the steady beau who lives next door."

That... was not the analogy I was expecting from the values-voter Southern Baptist.

Well, these aren't religious leaders speaking on behalf of their churches; these are religious leaders speaking on behalf of their own religious convictions. I have little doubt as to whether their highly Right Wing Authoritarian followers will be able to keep the distinction straight.


Personally, I'm hoping these guys unite behind Santorum, Perry, or Gingrich as an anyone-but-Romney candidate, and convince the other two to drop out. Huntsman doesn't seem to have much longer in the race. That then leaves a three-way race between Mr. Evangelical I'm-not-Romney, Mitt Romney, and Ron Paul -- who has enough of an obsessed fanbase that he'll be pushing hard until someone gets 50%+1 of the delegates locked up, and which may not happen, period.

And the DNC can recoup their investment in the popcorn market.

tallguywithglasseson: That... was not the analogy I was expecting from the values-voter Southern Baptist.

Marginally better than "Now we're just haggling over the price" I suppose. But yes, a bit odd.

Because, churches wouldn't be useful as tax shelters, would they?

OneTimed: SCIENTOLOGY was able to lobby for that status, and to call them a religion is an insult to the word.

It's just as valid a religion as any other.

Who would you want to show up at the doorstep the next time there is a natural disaster in your neighborhood?

FEMA? You go directly to jail if you don't cross the "t"s and dot the "i"s. If you get too much money, you had better give it back, or else!

In addition, we all know how long it takes for them to get to you. And as long as you don't need ice, they will be there with their cards.

Or

A church? After Katrina, many people from across the US came to the areas impacted to help: with medical, food, rebuilding, clearing lands, and assisting those in needs. Cost to the US taxpayer? zero.

Tax a church and this goes away.

Separation of church and state?

OneTimed: No, it isn't. It's a pyramid scheme masquerading as a religion.

Say what you want about the silliness of Christianity, at least you aren't forced to pay to learn about Jesus.

It meets the standard definition of religion. What they do with it is another matter entirely, and frankly, if you're stupid enough to pay Tom Cruise to remove the Thetans from your volcano or whatever, that's your own damn fault.

deadcrickets: qorkfiend: It's political.

If a Democrat tries to remove that exemption, it's an attack on religion.
If a Republican tries to remove that exemption...hah, just kidding. They'd never try.

I'm a Libertarian and I believe the tax exemption needs to go. It's patently unfair considering how much churches pull in to allow mega churches to be built and Tammy Faye to be rich.

Can we stop the farking Native Americans while we're at it too? They are basically doing the same thing with casinos....