Why are churches given tax exempt status?

[natedogg]

The contributions going in are tax deductible in the first place. And they are given to an organization that pays no tax whatsoever. I imagine this counts for more lost tax revenue than the estate tax repeal.

What is the reason behind this?

natedogg

[Nemesis]

It's viewed as a charity, just like the red cross. The government obviously believes that the church can spend it's money better helping their local communities one on one rather than payign taxes to help their communities.