One of the main problems with religion in general is its special status in governments. This is less problematic than it used to be, such as when European nations would declare themselves "Catholic" or "Protestant" and then battle against other nations or their own people who accorded to themselves the other status. But even today, religions are granted special protections from taxes and immunity from some kinds of prosecution.
Why should this be a problem? Well, it gives the impression that an institution is special or deserving protection simply because it is a religion. It also assists a religion to assume certain airs, as if they are deserving of such privileges automatically.
But the fact is, one of the main indicators of true religion is the unjust persecution it suffers. If the adherents of a religion continue in their belief despite persecution, prosecution, financial hardship and rejection, then they truly believe, it isn't just a show. If someone holds to a religion, and they get special privileges for being a religion, then why is belief necessary? It is enough reason to be a religion only because of the special privileges.
For this reason many church leaders are hypocrites, and many church members give only to seek out tax relief. If all that were stripped away, we would see more clearly what people really believe. Take away the professional status of ministers. Take away the financial benefits of being a church. And begin to seriously prosecute churches for the wrongs they've done. When the benefits are stripped away, then we'll see who's left.
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