What Would It Take for You to Vote for Biden?

[Alcala-Cordel]

In short, by subsidizing Catholic institutions.

See here.

Yay, let's put religion on a pedestal because that will totally end well.

The government should cut ties with religion altogether and end the income tax exemption of religious organizations. Religion can still exist, but none of it should be propped up by the state.

We should really just abolish the state entirely, but that's a different subject.

[South Odreria 2]

Yay, let's put religion on a pedestal because that will totally end well.

The government should cut ties with religion altogether and end the income tax exemption of religious organizations. Religion can still exist, but none of it should be propped up by the state.

We should really just abolish the state entirely, but that's a different subject.

I would prefer to live in a society.

[US-SSR]

Hm. That's tough. Maybe if he didn't run down the nation's authority in the middle of a global pandemic in which one of every four deaths in the world happens in the US?

[Cisairse]

You sound exactly like an Evangelical Trump supporter.

You sound exactly like a Hindu fundamentalist Buttigieg supporter

You sound exaxctly like a Deistic transcendentalist Delaney supporter

[Jerzylvania]

You sound exactly like a Hindu fundamentalist Buttigieg supporter

You sound exaxctly like a Deistic transcendentalist Delaney supporter

You sound exactly like an atheist alchemist Sanders supporter.

[Alcala-Cordel]

The government should cut ties with religion altogether and end the income tax exemption of religious organizations. Religion can still exist, but none of it should be propped up by the state.

We should really just abolish the state entirely, but that's a different subject.

I would prefer to live in a society.

Society can exist without the state, and it has.

[Neanderthaland]

You sound exaxctly like a Deistic transcendentalist Delaney supporter

You sound exactly like an atheist alchemist Sanders supporter.

That wasn't an equivalent exchange.

[Neutraligon]

You sound exactly like an atheist alchemist Sanders supporter.

That wasn't an equivalent exchange.

You look like a caveman following the prey off the path.

[Nuroblav]

Yay, let's put religion on a pedestal because that will totally end well.

The government should cut ties with religion altogether and end the income tax exemption of religious organizations. Religion can still exist, but none of it should be propped up by the state.

We should really just abolish the state entirely, but that's a different subject.

Indeed. It's fine if people want to be religious and practise it, but authority having ties with it can become a problem.

[Sundiata]

Of course not, that said we should strive to realize God's will on earth.

Are you the type who wants to change the Constitution to establish an official church?

I am, specifically the Catholic Church. However, that's a goal for way down the line.

[Sundiata]

It is called Kirchensteuer, and has been around for a while in Germany.
Hitler formalised it (though it was around well before him unofficially).

Sounds like a bad idea, and the government shouldn't dictate it either. I don't think churches should receive federal funding, especially when they're tax exempt, but should be funded via donations from the congregation or community.

But this is getting off topic a bit, I'm just waiting to hear how Sundiata thinks Biden will deliver a perfect Catholic theocracy.

He won't but he certainly can lay the groundwork.

[Kannap]

Sounds like a bad idea, and the government shouldn't dictate it either. I don't think churches should receive federal funding, especially when they're tax exempt, but should be funded via donations from the congregation or community.

But this is getting off topic a bit, I'm just waiting to hear how Sundiata thinks Biden will deliver a perfect Catholic theocracy.

He won't but he certainly can lay the groundwork.

He won't, but if this delusion of yours is what brings you to vote for him, keep dreaming.

[Sundiata]

Yay, let's put religion on a pedestal because that will totally end well.

The government should cut ties with religion altogether and end the income tax exemption of religious organizations. Religion can still exist, but none of it should be propped up by the state.

We should really just abolish the state entirely, but that's a different subject.

Churches will never be taxed in the United States of America.

[The Andromeda Island Group]

Are you the type who wants to change the Constitution to establish an official church?

I am, specifically the Catholic Church. However, that's a goal for way down the line.

Not sure if I should take this remotely seriously, but I'll briefly address it.

The Founding Fathers never envisioned creating a country with an official religion. Many of our ancestors came here to escape persecution under such states. I thank the Good Lord that our Founders added the First Amendment to the Constitution.

The Founders were also justifiably wary of a political faction taking total control, which is why we have the separation of powers enshrined in our Constitution.

The Founders were justifiably wary of cults, whether they were religious or political.

[Sundiata]

For the record: I do not support Joe Biden or Donald Trump.

I support the Holy See; Biden is hardly a threat to its interests. With respect to abortion, Biden will fold.

[Latvijas Otra Republika]

I would prefer to live in a society.

Society can exist without the state, and it has.

[Elwher]

The government should cut ties with religion altogether and end the income tax exemption of religious organizations. Religion can still exist, but none of it should be propped up by the state.

We should really just abolish the state entirely, but that's a different subject.

Churches will never be taxed in the United States of America.

You're probably right, more the pity.

[Picairn]

You're probably right, more the pity.

Actually, taxing the churches will create a dangerous scenario: Churches will begin to cry "No taxation without representation!" and demand a place in the government. Religious lobby groups will have a bigger foothold in Congress, tying church and state ever closer. That's why I'm against taxing churches, it shatters the wall of seperation and allows churches to influence the government in return. The wall must remain seperate.

[Gormwood]

It's amusing that people who likely can't stand an Evangelical theocracy are pushing for a Catholic one in its place.

[Sundiata]

It's amusing that people who likely can't stand an Evangelical theocracy are pushing for a Catholic one in its place.

I understand how this all must seem from the outside but there are legitimate differences with respect to our theology and the policies we prefer.

[Gormwood]

It's amusing that people who likely can't stand an Evangelical theocracy are pushing for a Catholic one in its place.

I understand how this all must seem from the outside but there are legitimate differences with respect to our theology and the policies we prefer.

Oh right. Red Hat vs Blue Hat.

[Sundiata]

I understand how this all must seem from the outside but there are legitimate differences with respect to our theology and the policies we prefer.

Oh right. Red Hat vs Blue Hat.

That's a completely unfair categorization.

[Rusozak]

Are you the type who wants to change the Constitution to establish an official church?

I am, specifically the Catholic Church. However, that's a goal for way down the line.

Except that is inherently un-American at its core. Separation of church and state was one of the founding principles engraved in the constitution. A secular safe harbor for those fleeing religious persecution, something different than the European monarchies. It would be more likely for the Trumps to become the imperial dynasty of an American Empire than for the US to submit itself to another far away European monarch, aka the Pope.

[Neutraligon]

You're probably right, more the pity.

Actually, taxing the churches will create a dangerous scenario: Churches will begin to cry "No taxation without representation!" and demand a place in the government. Religious lobby groups will have a bigger foothold in Congress, tying church and state ever closer. That's why I'm against taxing churches, it shatters the wall of seperation and allows churches to influence the government in return. The wall must remain seperate.

Organizations do not get representation in government. And they are already represented by the various senators and representatives. Your "taxation without representation" does not make sense. The wall has already been shattered since so many churches are actively political. I mean churches are supposed to not remain tax free if they do something like endorse or push a candidate, yet many do.

It's amusing that people who likely can't stand an Evangelical theocracy are pushing for a Catholic one in its place.

Well that and...the founding fathers tended not to be Catholic. The separation of powers tended to protect Catholics from Protestants.
Anyway, I have decided not to vote 3rd party.

[Cisairse]

You're probably right, more the pity.

Actually, taxing the churches will create a dangerous scenario: Churches will begin to cry "No taxation without representation!" and demand a place in the government. Religious lobby groups will have a bigger foothold in Congress, tying church and state ever closer. That's why I'm against taxing churches, it shatters the wall of seperation and allows churches to influence the government in return. The wall must remain seperate.

In what universe do religious groups not have a foothold in congress