I really doubted it would go to this extreme. Over the last couple of decades, I've watched a gradual change more accepting of gay people while still drawing a line against sin.

What has happened to reignite the Southern Baptists?

It seems that nothing has been enough to satisfy gay and liberal activists. After achieving gay marriage, the movement didn't take a break but escalated. We've seen attacks on parental rights (literally, in cases like Loudoun County with Scott Smith) and a push for "rights" that go beyond civil liberties. This has morphed into an effort to reengineer culture itself by targeting speech, education, and even religious doctrine in ways that feel more like coercion than coexistence.

Women, too, are now facing an ideological assault. They're being told that biological sex is irrelevant, that men can become women simply by declaration, and that women's spaces, whether sports, shelters, or even language must accommodate those who identify as female, regardless of biology.

Personally, I believe conservatives feel they've been left with no choice but to push back. From their perspective, there's no end in sight to the cultural degradation coming from the left. Without vigilant parents stepping in, they believe liberal run school systems would have no limits to the kinds of sexually explicit material that might find its way into children's libraries and classrooms.

Laura,

"When do we start taxing the southern Baptists??"

Taxing churches would require government oversight of religion.

Should the IRS start deciding what counts as a "real" church?

How about other non-profits? Or does your outrage only apply to the ones you don't like?

You think you sound edgy but you're not seeing the big picture.

Laura,

What about churches that are injecting themselves into the immigration issue?

Should they be taxed since there are no ifs ands or butts?

Laura,

Many churches actively advocate for undocumented immigrants. They oppose immigration laws, support sanctuary policies, and in some cases even shield individuals from federal authorities. That's unquestionably political.

So if churches should lose tax exemption the moment they "inject politics," where's the line? When does that standard apply?

Or is the outrage only selective based on whether the church's position happens to clash with your own?

Laura,

"When they inject politics into the church I have a problem with that"

I am assuming you meant when churches inject religion into politics.

It is injecting politics into the church I worry about. When the government starts dictating church doctrine.

Dan,

Treating people with dignity isn't the issue here.

When a church goes beyond offering help and starts advocating policy, resisting law enforcement, or lobbying the government, that's political involvement.

Laura's question is about losing tax exempt status. What activities might a church do to cause that to happen.

You historically tend to deflect and troll, so unless your post is on topic I won't be responding.

Laura,

"When a church states what politics their parishioners must have, I have a problem with that."

I see what you mean now.

But that's not your call to make.

Freedom of Religion and Freedom of Speech mean churches are free to express political views. Whether you "have a problem" with it is irrelevant. The Constitution protects their right to speak, not your comfort level.

Donner,

"When the government starts dictating church doctrine."

Some people would certainly like to try.

I was responding to what Laura said.

Laura believes churches should be regulated what they may say.

Donner,

You're quoting "Render unto Caesar..." but missing the point. That verse doesn't say churches must stay silent on government. It says don't confuse God's authority with Caesar's. Ironically, your stance does exactly that by letting the government decide what churches may say.

If churches are punished for expressing political views, then the government is regulating religious speech. That's a direct violation of the First Amendment.

You're not defending separation of church and state. You're advocating government control over religion.

That's a dangerous path.

Donner,

"America was founded on the principle that the U.S. Constitution is above and has authority over all religions no matter what you think."

That's flat out wrong.

America was founded on the principle of religious freedom and not government supremacy over religion. The Constitution limits government power, not religious expression.

The early colonists came to escape government involvement in religion and to obtain land, depending on the colony.

Donner,

"under Section 501(c)(3) of the IRS code, then you are legally prohibited from endorsing specific political candidates or telling their congregation who to vote for"

You're mixing things up.

Under 501(c)(3), churches can't officially endorse or oppose specific candidates. But they are not prohibited from addressing political or moral issues, even from the pulpit. They can speak on abortion, immigration, marriage, or any issue that aligns with their doctrine.

Also, this "legal" restriction comes from IRS regulations, not the Constitution. Many legal scholars question whether it would survive a serious First Amendment challenge.

So no, churches don't lose their rights just because they're tax-exempt.

Donner,

"And the freedom FROM religion."

The Constitution guarantees freedom of religion and not freedom from being exposed to it.

You're free to believe, or not believe, whatever you want. But you don't have the right to silence others just because their views are religious.

If your version of "freedom" requires censoring others, it's not freedom at all.

Clown,

"So what should be done about the ones that have?"

So what about other nonprofits that endorse candidates? Are you calling for them to lose their tax-exempt status too, or is your outrage just selective when it comes to churches?

The rule applies to all 501(c)(3) organizations, not just the ones you don't like.

Dan,

Again you're deflecting and trolling.

The subject is tax exempt qualifications and not WWJD.

Dan,

"I'm pointing out you're just fine with the church preaching politics, as long as it's yours."

I'm not the one complaining about it!

Once again...you're deflecting...troll.