As yes_justice points out above, and as I said above to gunslinger, by their very nature, the demands of religion can be arbitrary. I can construct or modify a religion to target any expenditure of any local, state, or Federal agency, and thus claim exemption from any local, state, or federal taxes.
The idea of so constructing or modifying a religion is not outlandish... It's my opinion that elements of Modern Evangelical Christianity are exactly so constructed. Its commitment to ensoulment at conception is a new feature predominantly of the 20th century, adopted as part of a larger social strategy to maintain traditional gender roles.
This is why its important to draw a line to how far a religious exemption can go. If simply paying money into a bucket used for various things is enough to be exempted, that construction is apt for massive abuse.
People against abortion and birth control should not be forced to have abortions or use Birth control, but not exempted from their other legal responsibilities. Conscientious objectors are excused from roles where they would be expected to take a life, but not taxes in general.
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Date: 29/11/12 18:48 (UTC)The idea of so constructing or modifying a religion is not outlandish... It's my opinion that elements of Modern Evangelical Christianity are exactly so constructed. Its commitment to ensoulment at conception is a new feature predominantly of the 20th century, adopted as part of a larger social strategy to maintain traditional gender roles.
This is why its important to draw a line to how far a religious exemption can go. If simply paying money into a bucket used for various things is enough to be exempted, that construction is apt for massive abuse.
People against abortion and birth control should not be forced to have abortions or use Birth control, but not exempted from their other legal responsibilities. Conscientious objectors are excused from roles where they would be expected to take a life, but not taxes in general.