I’ve been thinking a lot about this news concerning the IRS investigating churches for engaging in political activism.  If you’re not familiar with what’s going on, during the last election cycle a number of churches were very active in politics with some religious leaders actually supporting candidates (or denouncing them) from the pulpit. 

Churches, though, are non-profit entities that don’t have to pay taxes.  Unfortunately, that tax-exempt status is predicated upon the church, as an organization, being non-political.  That means the church cannot endorse or denigrate candidates.

What bothers me about this is that it’s a pretty clear violation of the first amendment.  I just don’t understand why religious leaders should have to refrain from talking politics and/or endorsing certain candidates or policies. 

Some will respond to that statement by saying that if we allow an organization to avoid taxes they shouldn’t be allowed to take sides in politics.  But that’s nonsense.  Every individual or organization in this country should be allowed to weigh in, at length if they wish, on politics.

I think the real argument to be made in all of this, though, is that our tax system is far too pervasive.  When we have the IRS investigating churches for doing nothing more than engaging in free political speech then I think it’s clear that we have a tax system that is far to burdensome.