Upholding the ‘Faith and Good Works,’ or Simply Out for Profit?

Your exceptional article describing the Christian outreach work of Pastor Matthew Barnett was well-written and an inspiration for our religious community (“On Faith Alone,” by Bob Emmers, July 21). Barnett’s efforts have followed Jesus Christ’s command: You must love and help your neighbor just as much as you love and take care of yourself. The traditional church was one built on faith and good works. As the King James Bible says, faith that doesn’t show itself by good works is no faith at all--it is dead and useless.

Michael D. Antonovich

Supervisor, Fifth District County of Los Angeles

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Emmers’ article brings up a disturbing trend: Most churches are now run as businesses--in many cases, as multimillion-dollar businesses. A few examples include the $200-million Catholic cathedral in downtown Los Angeles, the PTL (Praise the Lord) network, the TV programs of the Rev. Robert H. Schuller’s Crystal Cathedral and now the Dream Center. These ministries, which were supposedly started to glorify God, are now only used to glorify the almighty dollar and the egos of the pastors, bishops, ministers, etc., who head these “churchorations.”

Since they’re being treated like CEOs, we should start treating them as such and tax their churches. Their tax-free status allows them to buy land and TV air time at lower cost, while paying tax-free salaries and making tax-free book and videotape sales. The tiny neighborhood not-for-profit churches that are truly giving back to the community shouldn’t pay taxes, but the for-profit mega-”churchorations” should.

Paul Mickelson

Los Angeles