The IRS is up to its old tricks against Christians—the same kind of persecution it was conducting during the Obama Administration is set loose once again under the Biden Administration. The IRS denied the 501(c)(3) application for the organization Christians Engaged because the IRS considers bible teachings to be affiliated with the Republican Party. I’m not making this up. The IRS actually put it in a letter denying Christians Engaged application. In May 2013 there was much written about how the IRS was singling out and harassing conservative and religious groups. After being held in check by the Trump Administration for four years, the IRS is back in the business of thumping Bible believers.
Remember during the Obama Administration that many groups who were critical of the occupant of the Oval Office were fingered for extra IRS harassment. Red State reported in May 2013, “Among the ministries targeted are the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, Samaritan’s Purse and the Biblical Recorder–the newspaper of the North Carolina Baptist State Convention. The revelations seem to indicate the IRS was targeting more than just Tea Party groups and conservative political organizations.” This recent incident with Christians Engaged demonstrates how an unconstitutional agency like the IRS can sway back and forth on its interpretation of administrative law based on what politician holds office.
In denying Christians Engaged 501(c)(3) designation, the IRS wrote: “For example, you educate believers on national issues that are central to their belief in the Bible as the inerrant Word of God. Specifically, you educate Christians on what the bible says in areas where they can be instrumental including the areas of sanctity of life, the definition of marriage, biblical justice, freedom of speech, defense, and borders and immigration, US and Israel relations. The bible teachings are typically affiliated with the [sic Republican] party and candidates. This disqualifies you from exemption under IRC Section 501 (c)(3).” In one sense, this should be a message to all Democrats who would like to consider themselves Christians—the Democratic Party does not align with Biblical principles—even the IRS understands this. You should, too.
This also should be a message to all Christians—the IRS will take any opportunity to deny your freedom of religion. It is an indicator that the Biden government sees Christians as having no rights. But the First Amendment guarantees Christians freedom of speech and free exercise of religion. You do not have to ask the IRS permission to raise money for religious purposes. Religious groups ought to embrace their First Amendment rights that prevent government interference in their ministries–people will still give according to what the Lord lays on their hearts. Jesus said in Matthew 10:16, “Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and innocent as doves.” Go out and do what the Lord tells you to do, but be wise about it—don’t involve the IRS.
