The question is often asked -- how can scientology call itself a religion? It doesnt have most of the things that "normal" religions have -- worship services, a belief in God, relying on actual gifts and not charging for services, a kind, gentle approach, focus on families etc etc And of course, L. Ron Hubbard was extremely derisive about religions (I will do a post focusing on his views one of these days) until he realized it could have great benefit to use the "religion angle." But one of the things that is most incredible about this business that masquerades as a religion for tax … [Read more...]
City Councilman Mark Bunker and Scientology Tax Exempt Status
The news has sunk in, Mark Bunker is now a Clearwater City Commissioner-elect. As Tracey McManus put it, this is a historic day for Clearwater. There is another piece in the Tampa Bay Times (top of article screencapped above) this morning. It makes some interesting points - first of which is noting Bunker's "desire for the city to urge the IRS to revoke Scientology's tax exempt status..." Some have poo-poo'd this idea "The City of Clearwater doesn't grant tax exempt status, the IRS does" -- as if Mark Bunker is unaware of the difference between a city government and the … [Read more...]
Kanye, the IRS and Scientology
This is an interesting recent Forbes magazine article. The author covers how Kanye West, who has changed his name to Christian Genius Billionaire Kanye West and conducts "Sunday Services,” could actually file for tax exemption and reap mighty benefits. He describes what the IRS criteria are for granting such a religious exemption: Distinct legal existence; Recognized creed and form of worship; Definite and distinct ecclesiastical government; Formal code of doctrine and discipline; Distinct religious history; Membership not associated with any other church … [Read more...]
Scientology is NOT a Business… Wink, Wink
Scientology repeatedly claims: "We are a religion engaged in matters of the spiritual plane, not the worldly." They managed to convince strong arm the IRS into granting them tax exempt status as an exempt "religious" organization on this basis. Their words AND actions (believe what you hear AND what you see) prove that is just a facade. Normally this promotional piece would be another one of the Thursday Funnies -- there are literally HUNDREDS of similar items from scientology organizations all over the world claiming that scientology can make you "flourish and prosper" and give you the … [Read more...]
Some Information About Religious Tax Exemption
Mary Kahn reminded me yesterday in a comment about John Oliver of the brilliant piece he did on Religious Tax Exemption. This is satire at its finest -- exposing truths through humor. It is cringe-inducing funny. If you have never seen this, or if you haven't watched it for a few years, it is VERY instructive. I recommend it highly as it lays out a LOT of information and gives insight into scientology and its ongoing tax exempt status. This is, in part, why the IRS has been perfectly content to allow scientology to be tax exempt all these years. There is also the fact that … [Read more...]
Scientology Tax Exemption — Muffins Strikes Back
Clearly, David Miscavige is feeling the mounting pressure on his most cherished treasure: tax exempt status bestowed on scientology by the IRS in 1993. It takes considerable effort to get a letter published about a relatively obscure subject in a major paper like the LA Times. It is apparently a response to an op-ed piece that ran last November. 3 months of work to get this miserable piece of misleading propaganda to run... Monique "Muffins" Yingling makes a rare appearance to argue on behalf of Miscavige. She has been as out of sight as the COB himself since her fateful appearance on 20/20 … [Read more...]
It’s Time to “Secure Your Eternity” — Again
I How many times can they keep telling people they need to "secure their eternity"? And how sad is it to see this annual promotion that relies on a tax deduction as a gimmick to get people to "buy immortality." Sad for two reasons: If you really COULD buy immortality and "secure your eternity" people would pay 100X what is currently being charged and would need no "incentive." That the IRS is complicit in this scam. I am sure plenty of commenters are going to cover this well. I am a little short on time, so I really just throw this out there as a topic for discussion. … [Read more...]
Scientology: The Motel 6 of 501(c)3s
Part of the real estate empire being amassed by the tax exempt church of scientology is a rash of "public accommodations." The latest two are in Los Angeles. This one, right alongside CC Int. And of course "The Fountain" opened last week alongside AOLA. Obviously, there has been a push to open empty buildings so they can be shown at the IAS event. Though one would imagine that ORGS would be better than one-star "hotels." What happened to Harlem? Missed the deadline I suppose. Valley going nowhere really rapidly. Not even a "ribbon cutting" on KCET? … [Read more...]
What Real Churches Do
A small point in the overall scheme of things, but something that struck home with me a few days ago. Jack is now attending pre-school. His school is part of a local Methodist church. They are located in the church facilities and are part of the church's programs. There was a parent-teacher-church meeting to begin the year that Christie and I attended. After talking with Jack's teachers we went into the church proper with all the other parents (there are a dozen different classrooms for children of different pre-school ages) and sat in the pews. The minister Opened the gathering with … [Read more...]
Wake Up The Government
This was posted on ESMB and then Karen De La Carriere reposted it to Twitter and Facebook. It is worth taking note. Letters from CONSTITUENTS are treated seriously by elected officials. The more US Congressmen there are who have been made aware of the issue, the greater the chance of something being done. The IRS is answerable to Congress. Sooner or later this is going to become an issue that one or more politicians will feel they can gain popularity with. When that day happens, the more there are to jump on the bandwagon the better. Writing to your Congressman IS an effective means of … [Read more...]