
audiobook
by James F. (James Ferdinand) Morton
EXEMPTING THE CHURCHES - An Argument for the Abolition of This Unjust and Unconstitutional Practice
By James F. Morton. Jr.
1916.
EXEMPTING THE CHURCHES - AN ARGUMENT FOR THE ABOLITION OF THIS UNJUST AND UNCONSTITUTIONAL PRACTICE.
The book opens with a forceful declaration that exempting churches from taxes conflicts with America’s core promise of “no person shall be required to support any ministry against his consent.” From there, it weaves a sweeping historical narrative, tracing how democratic ideals have steadily chipped away at inherited privileges—whether monarchies, aristocracies, or special tax breaks for religious institutions. By grounding the discussion in landmark quotations and early‑20th‑century legal debates, it shows how the fight for equal treatment under the law has long been a hallmark of progress.
In the first act, the author outlines the philosophical underpinnings of true democracy: the balance between individual rights and the collective good, and the danger of granting any group unchecked advantage. He then turns to practical arguments, dissecting constitutional language and past court decisions to demonstrate why the church‑tax exemption is both unjust and unconstitutional. The tone remains measured, inviting listeners to reconsider a long‑standing practice through the lens of liberty, fairness, and modern governance.
Language
en
Duration
~2 hours (165K characters)
Release date
2011-12-22
Rights
Public domain in the USA.
Subjects

1870–1941
A lively public thinker of the early 20th century, this writer moved through politics, reform, language study, and museum work with unusual energy. His books and pamphlets often tackled big civic questions in a direct, argumentative style.
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