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Why Should Satan Need To Pay Taxes?
By Johana LApr. 24 2019, Published 11:13 p.m. ET
An official statement from The Satanic Temple gave Patheos permission to break the news that it is now a registered tax-exempt church.
Lucien Greaves, co-founder of The Satanic Temple had this move up in discussion since May of 2017 after Donald Trump‘s Presidential Executive Order Promoting Free Speech and Religious Liberty.
The reason for this “Religious Liberty” order was to allow places of worship that have dabbled in steering their audiences to their preferred political candidates, to remain protected.
In other words, never mind the fact that they have clear political influence, and don’t truly honor the separation of church and state, this law will keep them exempt from taxes.
Donald Trump‘s order stated that the Department of the Treasury should not:
-“take any adverse action against any individual, house of worship, or other religious organization on the basis that such individual or organization speaks or has spoken about moral or political issues from a religious perspective […] As used in this section, the term ‘adverse action’ means the imposition of any tax or tax penalty; the delay or denial of tax-exempt status […]”
“take any adverse action against any individual, house of worship, or other religious organization on the basis that such individual or organization speaks or has spoken about moral or political issues from a religious perspective […] As used in this section, the term ‘adverse action’ means the imposition of any tax or tax penalty; the delay or denial of tax-exempt status […]”
In a lengthy response, Lucien Greaves stated:
-“As ‘the religious’ are increasingly gaining ground as a privileged class, we must ensure that this privilege is available to all, and that superstition doesn’t gain exclusive rights over non-theistic religions or non-belief. With the religio-political landscape suddenly so grotesquely deformed from what we previously recognized, it seems reasonable that non-believers should adjust their language accordingly, and insist that atheistic and secular non-profits, advancing a distinct religious opinion and/or opinion upon religion, are themselves rightful beneficiaries of religious tax exemption as well.”
“As ‘the religious’ are increasingly gaining ground as a privileged class, we must ensure that this privilege is available to all, and that superstition doesn’t gain exclusive rights over non-theistic religions or non-belief. With the religio-political landscape suddenly so grotesquely deformed from what we previously recognized, it seems reasonable that non-believers should adjust their language accordingly, and insist that atheistic and secular non-profits, advancing a distinct religious opinion and/or opinion upon religion, are themselves rightful beneficiaries of religious tax exemption as well.”
Basically, this tax exemption is viewed as a privilege that allows Christianity to prosper and further build their influence in politics.
While The Satanic Temple sounds like Christianity‘s evil twin, this 2017 discussion has a point, and actually paints The Satanic Temple as an organization that’s been wronged by the privilege amounted to Christians.
Fast-forward to today. Instead of arguing against this privilege, The Temple of Satan has instead decided to make it work for them.
Greaves said:
-“In light of theocratic assaults upon the Separation of Church and State in the legislative effort to establish a codified place of privilege for one religious viewpoint, we feel that accepting religious tax exemption — rather than renouncing in protest — can help us to better assert our claims to equal access and exemption while laying to rest any suspicion that we don’t meet the qualifications of a true religious organization. Satanism is here to stay.”
“In light of theocratic assaults upon the Separation of Church and State in the legislative effort to establish a codified place of privilege for one religious viewpoint, we feel that accepting religious tax exemption — rather than renouncing in protest — can help us to better assert our claims to equal access and exemption while laying to rest any suspicion that we don’t meet the qualifications of a true religious organization. Satanism is here to stay.”
Translation, Jehova hasn’t honored the Separation of Church and State, except when it comes time to pay the government. As a result, Satan will not be paying taxes either.
Plot twist! Donald Trump actually advances the influence of Satan.
Donald Trump actually advances the influence of Satan.
Or maybe this is where we were heading all along…
