newuserbcdang

Sorry, yes this is correct in the sense that at the founding this wasn't the bargain per se but a result from the separation. It should be noted that what taxes the government could levy were also not determined entirely at the founding. As you have mentioned, the exemptions to religious institutions go back to colonial times, pre-constitution.

By adding a tax, you are narrowing that separation. The original bargain was the state wouldn't recognize an official religion and religions would be tax exempt - a good enough attempt at keeping the institutions separate.

People forget the separation of church and state goes both ways. A person can be unsatisfied with perceived meddling in state affairs by religious institutions but once you add a financial motive for them to get involved - yeah they'll want a seat at the table, at least to get favorable tax rates.