There are more than 300 religious institutions in the United States. Not one of these organizations or the religious leaders who operate them, pay a single dollar in taxes. Some of these ‘religious’ men and women live lives of luxury. They own million dollar homes, travel in private jets, and wear designer clothes. Many of those who donate money to these ‘religions’ are living near the poverty level.

These organizations can be labeled cults. Followers are instructed regarding their every action, and are expected to obey every directive issued from the pulpit.

The worst are those who call themselves ‘televangelists.’ They are wealthy con-artists. Their talent is brainwashing those who are desperately seeking someone to instruct them through their life’s journey. They not only accept donations; they openly beg for them. They preach to their followers that God will reward them for giving him or her their hard-earned money.

If all of this isn’t disreputable enough, a single religion is influencing our American government, and attempting to remove all other faiths from our nation.

The Christian religious right is a principle owner of the Republican Party. Although our founding fathers were opposed to religious influence in the governing of our nation, GOP politicians have offered their support in exchange for votes. No conservative will ever be elected to office unless he or she claims loyalty to one of the many Christian faiths.

If there was no religious involvement in American politics, abortion and same-sex marriage would not be ‘hot button’ issues. Neither issue has any influence regarding the governing of our nation’s people; they are personal matters, and should have remained so.

There are approximately 65 million Americans who share my belief; I refuse to be affiliated with any religion. I believe in free thought and that I have been given a conscience; I know what’s right or wrong; I don’t need to be instructed how to live my life by another human.

Our numbers are growing. Millennials are rejecting organized religion. They are free thinkers. They believe in spirituality but reject the control of priests, ministers, and pastors. They favor socialism over capitalism.

My personal belief is in-line with those of our founding fathers; I call myself a ‘Deist.’ Deism: “The belief in a single god who does not act to influence events, and whose existence has no connection with religions, religious buildings, or religious books, etc.”

Religious extremists would call our founding fathers, and therefore me, ‘heathens.’ That is far from the truth.

Unlike many men and women who call themselves ‘Christians,’ I actually believe that many of the teachings of Jesus Christ have influenced my life. I try not to judge others; I accept the lifestyles of other men and women without criticism. I believe in tolerance, compassion, and the equality of all people, from all nations. I refuse to live in fear, or join in the evils which dominate our nation’s people today; anger and hatred.

If religions make a concerted effort to be involved in our political system, they must be taxed. It’s time for fairness in our nation. Whether they be our wealthiest Americans or are involved in the ‘business’ of religion, everyone must pay their fair share of taxes for the privilege of doing business in a free nation.

Op-Ed

By James Turnage

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