We have recently been informed that the IRS has reached an agreement with the FFRF (Freedom From Religion Foundation), an atheist group, to monitor Christian churches to make sure they aren't using their pulpits for "illegal campaign intervention". Seems the FFRF sued the IRS for not 'doing its job' in hunting down tax exempt churches whose pastors discussed issues from the pulpit such as 'abortion' and same-sex marriage', which are core religious beliefs but controversial political subjects particularly for Democrats (as well as atheists).
The FFRF dropped its lawsuit with the understanding that the IRS did not have a policy of non-enforcement of such religious organizations. The IRS, however, has refused to tell the rest of the world what new procedures it intends to use or has used to investigate these alleged violations while determining there are some 99 churches that are regarded as high on the list for 'examination'. The FFRF has complained in particular about Rev. Billy Graham. OMG!
In addition, complicating this whole mess is the Johnson Amendment of 1954 which in reality did nothing more than to silence non-profit groups who opposed Lyndon Johnson's Senate re-election bid. Unfortunately, churches fall under this ONLY to the extent they cannot endorse or campaign for any political candidate. It was never intended to violate the Constitution's First Amendment right of freedom of religion and freedom of speech. It never ceases to amaze me how far we can roam from the true meaning of constitutional rights and/or laws when activist judges and liberal activists get together and re-invent the 'wheel'.
(see http://www.alliancedefendingfreedom.org/content/docs/issues/church/Johnson-Amendment-History.pdf ) And, it has absolutely nothing to do with 'separation of church and state' as these 'non-religious' entities would have you believe; particularly since there is no such statement to be found anywhere in the Constitution. But that's another whole subject.
The IRS just can't seem to stay out of trouble. They have learned nothing from the Lois Lerner debacle and her pursuit of conservative organizations, the lost emails, hard drives crashing, the lies, the finger pointing, the cover-ups. Instead of being the non-partisan figure it's supposed to be, it has decided to become the lawless watchdog for liberal agendas and partisan bully of the masses who don't agree with the current administration. Considering the Lois Lerner 'scandal' and resultant investigations and lawsuits, you'd think they would exercise a little restraint. But no, they just can't help themselves.
I thought it would be appropriate to quote from the man himself: Thomas Jefferson, Draft Kentucky Resolutions, 1798. ME 17:382:
The FFRF dropped its lawsuit with the understanding that the IRS did not have a policy of non-enforcement of such religious organizations. The IRS, however, has refused to tell the rest of the world what new procedures it intends to use or has used to investigate these alleged violations while determining there are some 99 churches that are regarded as high on the list for 'examination'. The FFRF has complained in particular about Rev. Billy Graham. OMG!
In addition, complicating this whole mess is the Johnson Amendment of 1954 which in reality did nothing more than to silence non-profit groups who opposed Lyndon Johnson's Senate re-election bid. Unfortunately, churches fall under this ONLY to the extent they cannot endorse or campaign for any political candidate. It was never intended to violate the Constitution's First Amendment right of freedom of religion and freedom of speech. It never ceases to amaze me how far we can roam from the true meaning of constitutional rights and/or laws when activist judges and liberal activists get together and re-invent the 'wheel'.
(see http://www.alliancedefendingfreedom.org/content/docs/issues/church/Johnson-Amendment-History.pdf ) And, it has absolutely nothing to do with 'separation of church and state' as these 'non-religious' entities would have you believe; particularly since there is no such statement to be found anywhere in the Constitution. But that's another whole subject.
The IRS just can't seem to stay out of trouble. They have learned nothing from the Lois Lerner debacle and her pursuit of conservative organizations, the lost emails, hard drives crashing, the lies, the finger pointing, the cover-ups. Instead of being the non-partisan figure it's supposed to be, it has decided to become the lawless watchdog for liberal agendas and partisan bully of the masses who don't agree with the current administration. Considering the Lois Lerner 'scandal' and resultant investigations and lawsuits, you'd think they would exercise a little restraint. But no, they just can't help themselves.
I thought it would be appropriate to quote from the man himself: Thomas Jefferson, Draft Kentucky Resolutions, 1798. ME 17:382:
"One of the amendments to the Constitution... expressly declares that 'Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof, or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press,' thereby guarding in the same sentence and under the same words, the freedom of religion, of speech, and of the press; insomuch that whatever violates either throws down the sanctuary which covers the others." [emphasis mine] Interesting thought don't you agree?
And then finally, there's this: "The rights [to religious freedom] are of the natural rights of mankind, and... if any act shall be... passed to repeal [an act granting those rights] or to narrow its operation, such act will be an infringement of natural right." --Thomas Jefferson: Statute for Religious Freedom, 1779. (*) ME 2:303, Papers 2:546 [again, emphasis mine]
Seems to me that is exactly what the IRS, the FFRF, and all other opponents of the First Amendment are doing. We must not stand idly by and let this alphabet soup government run roughshod over our rights as if they don't exist. The end game here is annihilation of the Constitution and we must not let that happen!
It is long past time for religious leaders to lead and to educate their congregations on adhering to biblical beliefs and to rely on those beliefs when they vote. It is not only their biblical duty, it is their right! I tell you - I simply cannot wait for Pulpit Freedom Sunday in October!
Seems to me that is exactly what the IRS, the FFRF, and all other opponents of the First Amendment are doing. We must not stand idly by and let this alphabet soup government run roughshod over our rights as if they don't exist. The end game here is annihilation of the Constitution and we must not let that happen!
It is long past time for religious leaders to lead and to educate their congregations on adhering to biblical beliefs and to rely on those beliefs when they vote. It is not only their biblical duty, it is their right! I tell you - I simply cannot wait for Pulpit Freedom Sunday in October!
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