People are Dumb

I found this link to a Newsweek article on JoelOsteen.com.

Do Politics and the Pulpit Mix?

Is this really what passes for actual news these days? Seriously? Whoever approved this article for web publication (it's a web exclusive, by the way) should be fired.

I realize that not everyone has had the great opportunity to take a class on the Tax Treatment of Charities, but I have. It was an enjoyable and informative class. It was more interesting than I expected.

One of the things I learned in this class was that § 501(c)(3) organizations (including churches) are prohibited from engaging in political activity if they expect to retain their tax-exempt status. This political activity includes endorsing political candidates. Some churches have lost their tax-exempt status because they either endorsed political candidates or encouraged people not to vote for certain candidates.

Under Title 26 of the United States Code, churches cannot engage in political activity and remain tax-exempt. The Internal Revenue Code grants a lot of leeway for churches. Churches do not have to make annual reports to the IRS, and they do not files taxes on their income. However, they have to remain true to their charitable purpose, which in the case of churches, is promoting religion.

I think it is ridiculous to ask Pastor Osteen what political candidate he endorses. I am sure several attorneys have advised him to keep his mouth shut when it comes to politics. And Pastor Osteen is a smart man; his congregation is the largest in the nation and his ministry is world-wide. Why would he jeopardize his church's tax-exempt status for a political candidate?

I applaud Pastor Osteen for doing what most people should do when it comes to politics: keeping his opinion to himself. Not only is this a good practice tax-wise, it is a good practice life-wise.