In the modern era I agree. There was a place for this in the early european history where scholarly work was primarily done by religious institutions but now that that role has been established as independent bodies there is no longer a reason to exempt these institutions from what the rest of us would otherwise have to pay.
I totally agree. Prosperity theology is an especially heinous example of this corruption.
Been a pet peeve of mine for years! Churches should follow the exact same laws as any other non-profit, & should get tax breaks the same way! Show your books, prove that x amount of money went to food or housing for the poor or homeless, etc., then I have no problem for a break for those proven acts, just like many other charities get. But no break JUST because you are a religion, any religion!