Ben Shapiro, Boy Prognosticator

In his latest foray into the unknown, Shapiro takes on the wacky study of Scientology. First of all he assures us that Scientology isn't a real religion the way Christianity or Judaism are, in the traditional way; he makes fun of their beliefs.

He then reveals the shocking truth; Scientoligists, despite being a weird religion, get to deduct their donations. Of course he's careful to obsuficate this matter so he can get to his real beef; Christians and Jews do not get to deduct contributions to religious schools. You see Scientoligists get to deduct their religious contributions, which are often payments for spiritual services they believe they require. On the other hand, Christians and Jews who want to send their kids to a private school do not get to deduct their tuition.

He references a secret deal in 1993 (which is so secret he knows all about it, but fails to provide any link to or information on), but this strikes me as open and shut. Looking at this Charitable Contributions booklet the IRS puts out, Scientology donations are covered as donations to a religion (defined in the booklet as Money or property you give to Churches, synagogues, temples, mosques, and other religious organizations).

On the other hand, schools fail in two areas. First of all, as most schools are run to make a profit, they are, in the words of the IRS, groups that are run for personal profit. Also the IRS specifically forbids counting Tuition as a charitable contribution.

One might also point out that the Donations made to the Scientologists are necessary in order to achieve their version of enlightenment / salvation (in the same sense that the tithes and offerings many Christians give are a part of their religious experience). I don't know of any Christian or Jewish Sect that teaches one must go to a specific version of grade school in order to be saved. But if one existed, that might strengthen Shapiro's case.

Much of Shapiro's case rests on comparing these religious donations to tuition, and saying that Christians get a bum deal because they have to pay tuition. He states that liberals will oppose this on the basis of Church and State; but simple fairness might be a stronger argument. After all, tuition given to non religions primary and secondary private schools will continue to be non-deductible, won't it? So that might be a better argument to make.