Jehovah's Witnesses Tax Exemption May Have Cost City $368M, Critics Say

[Witness]

Jehovah's Witnesses Tax Exemption May Have Cost City $368M, Critics Say

https://www.dnainfo.com/new-york/20160204/dumbo/jehovahs-witnesses-tax-exemption-may-have-cost-city-368m-critics-say/

 

"CHURCHES IN BUSINESS"  Awake Magazine

https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/lv/r1/lp-e/0/55899

"IN RECENT years there has been growing evidence that churches are deeply involved in big business, much to the consternation of a great many people. They have invested huge sums of money in a wide variety of business enterprises. Because the profits they receive from these businesses are very often tax exempt fewer taxes come in to all levels of government. This creates a greater burden for the average taxpayer.

An article appearing in Reader’s Digest of March 1969 discussed this tax loss and said: “For federal and state governments, church-owned and church-operated businesses represent a large loss of revenue—the taxes that would be collected if the enterprises were run by competitive private industry. It is impossible to calculate the loss exactly, but responsible estimates put it at $6.5 billion a year.”

Think how much individual taxes could be reduced if these taxes were paid. This loss is just in the United States. Other countries are also losing from tax-exempt church income from businesses.

 

The religious organization that truly is serving God, in harmony with the example set by Jesus Christ, concentrates on preaching and teaching the liberating truths of his Word and does not become involved in commercial businesses. Following the Bible’s instructions, it does not involve itself in “the commercial businesses of life.”—2 Tim. 2:4.

 

 I tell you that on the day of judgment people will have to account for every careless word they speak. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.”  Matt 12:36,38

 

 

[James Thomas Rook Jr.]

That is from 2016 ... but if true to form ... they STILL have not paid the money promised.

[David Normand]

What is your point? As a religious organization they are due the same tax breaks that are given other religious organizations. At least in this country you generally cannot discriminate against a religious organization just because you object to their doctrine or how they spread their beliefs. 

As far as any deal to make renovations, i'm sure the city could sue over breach of contract if there were grounds. 

[Witness]

1 hour ago, David Normand said:

What is your point? As a religious organization they are due the same tax breaks that are given other religious organizations. At least in this country you generally cannot discriminate against a religious organization just because you object to their doctrine or how they spread their beliefs. 

As far as any deal to make renovations, i'm sure the city could sue over breach of contract if there were grounds. 

Dear Sir, I am sorry that you don’t recognize hypocrisy when it is staring you in the face.  It appears there is an elephant in the room, stepping on your foot, and you refuse to admit it. 

When is it okay for the Watchtower to be like all other churches/organization in the world…

…and when is it not?

In the first century one of the apostles of the foundation of the true Zion, the true “organization” of God, built with priestly “living stones” on the Body of Christ, stated:

“Let everyone submit to the governing authorities, since there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are instituted by God. ² So then, the one who resists the authority is opposing God’s command, and those who oppose it will bring judgment on themselves. ³ For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Do you want to be unafraid of the authority? Do what is good, and you will have its approval. ⁴ For it is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, because it does not carry the sword for no reason. For it is God’s servant, an avenger that brings wrath on the one who does wrong. ⁵ Therefore, you must submit, not only because of wrath but also because of your conscience. ⁶ And for this reason you pay taxes, since the authorities are God’s servants, continually attending to these tasks. ⁷ Pay your obligations to everyone: taxes to those you owe taxes, tolls to those you owe tolls, respect to those you owe respect, and honor to those you owe honor.  Rom 13:1-7

I highly doubt they would have pursued a tax-exempt status if it was offered, since they were no part of the world. John 17:13-19;  1 John 2:15

 ^“Jesus told them, “Give to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” And they were utterly amazed at him.”  Mark 12:17

This isn't a problem with those "living stones" who have left a corporation to serve God and Christ directly.  2  Cor 6:14-18

 (1 Pet 2:4-10; 1 Cor 3:16,17; Eph 2:20-22; John 2:19-21; Matt 16:18)

 

[James Thomas Rook Jr.]

You can sue someone for ANYTHING.

Winning is quite another thing.

The WTB&TS, in anything that involves money, will ignore Justice, and appeal, and appeal, and appeal until the Plaintiffs are bankrupt.

Here is how tax exempt religious organizations are defined (Please expand the video to full size, and turn up your speakers ...):

Televangelists_ Last Week Tonight with John Oliver (HBO).mp4

[Richard Lindor]

 I really tried not to comment on this post, but the point about taxes is so ridiculous and make no sense whatsoever,  I felt like I have to say something. Criticizing a religious organization for using their tax exempt status is beyond non sense. First of all religious organizations activities are reviewed very so often if the government believed the witnesses where not qualified for whatever reasons they would know about them. 

Simple, in the United States the law said approved religious organizations are exempted from taxes. 

If we have an issue with this law, write to our congressman, take it to the Supreme Court if we have to. 

 

 

[Melinda Mills]

The point the critics are missing is that the superior authorities have the right to demand taxes as well as to waive taxes.  If you say they have to demand taxes on every occasion you are saying they can't use their discretion. It is like saying a pensioner should pay taxes although the government prescribes the income bands wherein a pensioner can be tax free.  What pensioner would go tell the government that they don't appreciate that reprieve from paying taxes on a small income. It would be tantamount to showing lack of appreciation for the government's consideration and sympathy for the person now earning one-third to one-fifth of what they used to work for. Governments are not run by robots that can only think one way.  Decisions are made by people who are themselves workers and would look forward to that same treatment when they can no longer receive full salary.

It is the same with religious organizations.  These organizations did not ask the government for this consideration.  It was a gift  or a concession to them because of the nature of their work.  All religious organizations avail themselves of that right, and are viewed equally,  just like all pensioners have the privilege of being tax-free where their income fall below a certain threshold.  So saying that they must still pay taxes is showing lack of appreciation for this concession and is also saying that the government is a one-way thinking robot and cannot use discretion.  It is simple-mindedness.

Jesus once said that the "sons are really tax-free" and that taxes should really be collected from foreigners *  But he said because of conscience we should be willing and ready to pay. JWs would be willing and ready to pay if the government changed its mind and started to tax all religious organizations - but if it told JWs that only they had to pay, they would fight it for sure, as that would not be fair. There are  secular organizations where their employees and premises and income are tax-exempt - because the governments say they do not want them to pay taxes for various reasons, especially international organizations with employees from various countries.  People should educate themselves on these matters.   Any person or entity can demand payment or can waive payment for various reasons.  It is like saying that if a business decides to give a customer a free product, the customer has to give it back or insist that he pays for it.  The government needs taxes, but the government can decide to forego payment in areas where it wishes to do so.

______________

*(Matthew 17:24-27) 24 After they arrived in Ca·perʹna·um, the men collecting the two drachmas tax approached Peter and said: “Does your teacher not pay the two drachmas tax?” 25 He said: “Yes.” However, when he entered the house, Jesus spoke to him first and said: “What do you think, Simon? From whom do the kings of the earth receive duties or head tax? From their sons or from the strangers?” 26 When he said: “From the strangers,” Jesus said to him: “Really, then, the sons are tax-free. 27 But that we do not cause them to stumble, go to the sea, cast a fishhook, and take the first fish that comes up, and when you open its mouth, you will find a silver coin. Take that and give it to them for me and you.”
 

[Witness]

As I have said…

 

When is it okay for the Watchtower to be like all other churches/organizations in the world…

…and when is it not?

 

g70 6/22 pp. 29-31  Disturbing Riches

It is no secret that the Roman Catholic Church in America generates great wealth. In stocks alone, one market expert suggested that when you touch figures like $20,000,000,000 “maybe you’ll be close.” The land assets alone of the archdiocese of New York are conservatively estimated at $55,000,000. Said author Kenneth G. Gross: “Catholics, organizationally and clerically, reportedly realize major profits from Grace Lines, Moran Towing, dozens of food producers and packagers, the Metropolitan Life Insurance Company, and various utilities. Jesuits own large blocks of shares in defense industries (National Steel, Boeing, Lockheed, Douglas, Curtiss-Wright), as well as DiGiorgio Corp. and other firms. The Knights of Columbus, a tax-exempt lay Catholic group, includes the land under Yankee Stadium in a portfolio of half a billion dollars.” A New York priest said: “The Catholic Church must either get back to helping its poorest members rather than cultivating its most influential parishioners, or else risk devastation.”

Stocks, land assets, profits, shares in defense industries.  Is the Watchtower jealous that their stocks, land assets, profits and shares in defense industries do not add up to the riches of the Catholic Church? 

Why was it necessary to mention the Knights of Columbus are “tax-exempt”? 

Watchtower cannot “get back to helping its poorest members”, when it never has to begin with.

WHAT IS THEIR POINT OF THIS NEWS QUIP, OTHER THAN TO DETRACT FROM THEIR OWN HYPOCRISY?

 Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by good conduct that his works are done in the meekness of wisdom. ¹⁴ But if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth. ¹⁵ This wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic. ¹⁶ For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there.  James 3:13-16

Pure and undefiled religion before God the Father is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself unstained from the world.”  James 1:27

Brother Russell and his associates refused to imitate the money-raising schemes so common in the churches of Christendom. In the second issue of the Watch Tower, under the heading “Do You Want ‘Zion’s Watch Tower’?” Russell stated: “‘Zion’s Watch Tower’ has, we believe, JEHOVAH for its backer, and while this is the case it will never beg nor petition men for support. When He who says: ‘All the gold and silver of the mountains are mine,’ fails to provide necessary funds, we will understand it to be time to suspend the publication.” (Hag. 2:7-9) Over 130 years later, The Watchtower and the organization that publishes it are still going strong!

Being tax-exempt like all other churches in the world, sure helps in a big way.

17 hours ago, Melinda Mills said:

JWs would be willing and ready to pay if the government changed its mind and started to tax all religious organizations - but if it told JWs that only they had to pay, they would fight it for sure, as that would not be fair.

Fighting for such a status…isn’t this the same as soliciting money?

⁸ Jehovah’s people do not beg for money. They do not pass collection plates or send out letters of solicitation. Neither do they use bingo, bazaars, or raffles to raise money. They hold to what the Watch Tower long ago said: “We have never considered it proper to solicit money for the Lord’s cause, after the common custom (apparently this excludes tax-exemption status). It is our judgment that money raised by the various begging devices in the name of our Lord is offensive, unacceptable to him, and does not bring his blessing either upon the givers or the work accomplished.”*  yb16 pp. 31-38 - Yearbook—2016

The organization is certainly adept at fighting for what they think is “fair”. 

Jesus is King, but who are his sons?  Men who run the Watchtower, and who have made it known to every JW that their tax-exempt status is not recognized in some countries?  yb16 pp. 31-38 - Yearbook—2016 

Jesus let the matter drop so as not to stumble anyone.  As you say, the Watchtower would fight for it. 

Jesus’ true sons would be those who worship, not on any literal ‘mountain’-like organization,  but in spirit and truth.    “For the Father is seeking such to worship Him."  John 4:21-24

No organization, and its struggles to keep its financial head above water, is necessary to do this. 

 

 

[Richard Lindor]

The witnesses have the right to fight for their rights. I would be very disappointed if witnesses decided not to put up a fight if any government try to make them pay for taxes when other religious group are not. We call that discrimination.

You are saying because witnesses claimed to be God’s people it is ok for them to let others treat them unfairly in the name of Jesus and Jehovah. 

It is the law in many western countries religious organizations are exempt from taxes.

it is like you are saying, the government is giving families a tax break because you are a witness you will not take it for whatever your reasons are. This is a nonsensical subject. 

They are other things you can criticize the watchtower organization for, this is not one of them. This is an an idiotic subject, you are telling a group of people to let themselves be treated unfairly and be discriminated just in the name of God. What kind of God will be ok with that?

[David Normand]

On 12/18/2018 at 3:07 PM, Witness said:

Dear Sir, I am sorry that you don’t recognize hypocrisy when it is staring you in the face.  It appears there is an elephant in the room, stepping on your foot, and you refuse to admit it. 

When is it okay for the Watchtower to be like all other churches/organization in the world…

…and when is it not?

In the first century one of the apostles of the foundation of the true Zion, the true “organization” of God, built with priestly “living stones” on the Body of Christ, stated:

“Let everyone submit to the governing authorities, since there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are instituted by God. ² So then, the one who resists the authority is opposing God’s command, and those who oppose it will bring judgment on themselves. ³ For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Do you want to be unafraid of the authority? Do what is good, and you will have its approval. ⁴ For it is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, because it does not carry the sword for no reason. For it is God’s servant, an avenger that brings wrath on the one who does wrong. ⁵ Therefore, you must submit, not only because of wrath but also because of your conscience. ⁶ And for this reason you pay taxes, since the authorities are God’s servants, continually attending to these tasks. ⁷ Pay your obligations to everyone: taxes to those you owe taxes, tolls to those you owe tolls, respect to those you owe respect, and honor to those you owe honor.  Rom 13:1-7

I highly doubt they would have pursued a tax-exempt status if it was offered, since they were no part of the world. John 17:13-19;  1 John 2:15

 ^“Jesus told them, “Give to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” And they were utterly amazed at him.”  Mark 12:17

This isn't a problem with those "living stones" who have left a corporation to serve God and Christ directly.  2  Cor 6:14-18

 (1 Pet 2:4-10; 1 Cor 3:16,17; Eph 2:20-22; John 2:19-21; Matt 16:18)

 

Whoa there buddy. Even Paul appealed to Caesar when he had the opportunity. Millions of Christians accept social security and other government benefits. Are you suggesting they should forego these things because they are supposed to be no part of the world? 

What about fire and police protection? Should we also forego assistance from these brave folks because we proclaim we are no part of the world? Of course not. After the same scripture you quoted above also states that governments are God's servants. They frequently do a measure of good and we all benefit when governments exercise their authority in a fine way. 

 

[Witness]

8 hours ago, Richard Lindor said:

The witnesses have the right to fight for their rights.

Sure they do, as any other worldly organization, they have the same rights as another.

This organization claims it belongs to God.   It claims it is “spirit-directed”.  Does this put the blame on God if a battle for worldly rights is lost?   Whenever the nation of Israel followed God’s decrees they were blessed with victory, with each person receiving protection from God.  How many JWs languish in prisons world-wide, some for years?  How many victims of child-abuse are disfellowshipped because their emotional make-up is crushed by “God’s organization” failing to shepherd them with love and understanding? WT's leaders are at war in the court systems with these victims who want recompense for spiritual and emotional damage.  Warwick is praised and visited daily by JWs, while many who have dedicated their life to “Jehovah’s organization” have little to nothing, or face prison walls on the same day crowds stare in awe at the organization’s feat to build a “Bethel” – house of God.  Blasphemy.     The WT calls itself “Zion” on earth.  It should come across as the most powerful entity on this earth since it purports to represent the true God, even if it is smaller than the surrounding “nations”.  Deut 7:7  God would graciously allow it to flourish.  Lev chapter 26 (corrected)

And…if it can’t be compared to the early nation of Israel, (although the GB regularly does so) then why must every JW who questions the organization’s route taken, as it develops its counterfeit Zion, be considered spiritually “dead”?  Rev 13:15

The true spiritual house/”organization” is built on faithful anointed ones – the “Israel of God”.  1 Pet 2:5,9; 1 Cor 3:16,17; Eph 2:20-22   Surrounding them, is an earthly “idol” under the rule of a Wicked Slave. 

Preposterous, you say?

Now all in God’s visible organization say with Micah: “We, for our part, shall walk in the name of Jehovah our God to time indefinite, even forever.” (Micah 4:5) The modern-day organization is gathered around “the Israel of God,” which is called in the Bible “a people for his name.” (Galatians 6:16; Acts 15:14; Isaiah 43:6, 7; 1 Peter 2:17) Hence, to be part of Jehovah’s organization means to be part of a people who seek, and receive, protection in God’s name.” w98 9/1 pp. 8-13

Of course, “Israel”, the Temple of God, (1 Cor 3:16,17) must not bond with each other, but remain silent since the “Gentile” elder body has been given authority to rule over them.  Matt 24:48-51; 2 Thess 2:3,4; Rev 11:1,2   These are the true “witnesses” of God…that must listen and obey the direction of men.  (Wt 16/1 pg 24)  Isa 43:10; 1 Pet 2:5,9,10; Rom 14:4; Isa 2:22

“Now when the thousand years have expired,

…which began when Jesus sat down at the right hand of his Father Ps 110:1,2; John 16:33; 1 Cor 15:25; 1 John 3:8; Rev 3:21

“Satan will be released from his prison ⁸ and will go out to deceive the nations which are in the four corners of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them together to battle, whose number is as the sand of the sea. ⁹ They went up on the breadth of the earth and surrounded the camp of the saints and the beloved city. And fire came down from God out of heaven and devoured them.”  Rev 20:7-9

Ezek 38:8b,10,11,14-16-23  https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ezek+38%3A8b%2C10%2C11%2C14%2C16-23&version=NKJV 

 Only a false prophet would claim it directs a “modern day” earthly organization that must have the same rights as any other organization in the world of ‘commercial business’.  Luke 4:5-7; Rev 13:1,11,14-17 

Sir, you concentrated on the organization’s right to worldly benefits and failed to notice the hypocrisy brought out in the first quote I presented.   How is it that JWs can easily skip over the sins of their own leaders and still be expected to be blessed by God?  Could it be the stubbornness of the heart?  John 12:40

 

 

 

 

[Richard Lindor]

 It is amazing to see what hatred can do to the most intelligent people.  Please take away whatever you dislike And distrust about Jehovah’s witnesses, look at the law of the land. You are asking why don’t they break the law? Lie say they are not a religious institution and pay taxes. You are telling people it is okay to let themselves be discriminated and treated differently just because you feel like they should. 

I read all the tread multiple times again it doesn’t sense at all. I took away everything I may or may not like about Jehovah’s Witnesses to be objective on this subject. I even made some research on other major religions wealth, assets and investments compare to the watchtower’s organization, as you probably already know the witnesses are not even half close compare to the other religions. 

I made the research to understand the arguments about paying taxes, again compare to Catholics, Protestants, Pentecostal, Baptist’s, Mormons, Muslim, Hindu and more the witnesses can not even compare.