

Reviewing 'The Religion Business' Docuseries
11 snips Sep 23, 2025
What happens when faith and finance collide? This discussion dives into corruption and financial secrecy in megachurches, sparking debates about transparency and accountability. The hosts explore the implications of IRS exemptions and outline the risks of church auxiliaries. They question the ethics of private benefits for church leaders and the true meaning of tithing. The conversation wraps up with a hopeful call for local accountability and the positive impact of churches on their communities.
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Docuseries Praised But Nuanced
- The Religion Business docuseries exposes financial secrecy and ethical failures in megachurches and prosperity ministries.
- Hosts praise its investigative value while noting some overgeneralizations and theological disagreements.
Formal Vs Informal Church Filings
- Churches can be either formally recognized (file Form 990) or claim informal church status to avoid IRS disclosure.
- Many larger ministries exploit informal status to bypass transparency, while many local churches do file and disclose compensation.
Be Transparent Even If You File Informally
- If a congregation fears government overreach, discuss filing strategy openly with members and advisors.
- Prioritize internal transparency even if you choose the informal filing route.