Commentary on Religious Run Venues

[Gonzo]

I really have no issue with religious-run venues such as the Murray Hill Theater. As a matter of fact, when my kids were younger, that is the only place I would allow them to go to concerts. And it was because of the no smoking, no drinking, no drugs policies that they had.

What gets my panties in a wad are the miriad pop-up, store-front, fly-by-night churches that seem to be everywhere you look. It seems like anybody with an ordainement from the Church of the Holy Internet thinks he/she can open a church. Is there really a need for a church in every store front?

I think not.

[ben says]

I really have no issue with religious-run venues such as the Murray Hill Theater. As a matter of fact, when my kids were younger, that is the only place I would allow them to go to concerts. And it was because of the no smoking, no drinking, no drugs policies that they had.

What gets my panties in a wad are the miriad pop-up, store-front, fly-by-night churches that seem to be everywhere you look. It seems like anybody with an ordainement from the Church of the Holy Internet thinks he/she can open a church. Is there really a need for a church in every store front?

I think not.

Seen the pastor of the mega church on Beach Blvd driving the tricked out Hummer? Absurd.

[urbanlibertarian]

I don't think "need" is relevant to whether or not a church should spring up somewhere.  Like anything else it will succeed or fail.  However I don't thing any non-profit (religious or not) should be tax exempt.  It's a subsidy and sometimes outright tax fraud.

[Non-RedNeck Westsider]

Agreed, UL. 

How much can your charity really contribute after paying your $150K salary, vehicle expenses, 'other' business expenses, etc....

I'm in no way implying that it's happening at MHT, but it happens.

I'm assuming Flip is still managing the programming for the place?  I haven't spoken to him in a while, and his FB posts haven't mentioned any serious changes.