Official recognition of religion

Why are certain churches given tax exempt status? I know it has something to do with seperation of Church and State and all that, but isn't the granting of tax exemption a reduction of religious freedom?  By it's very act it legitimizes some religions over others.  Take that family of the dead soldier who couldn't put a Wiccan symbol on his grave because it wasn't "recognized".  How is that a protection of religious freedom?  Why does a Southern Baptist church deserve tax exemption anymore than a Church of Satan?  The government is not supposed to give preference of one religion over another, but the very act of recognizing certain religions violates this.

>>1
It's not like it matters, the tax system is totally fucked and unfair anyway.

>>2
Yeah, but that's like saying it's okay for the dog to shit on the couch because it already shits on the carpet.  Sometimes you just have to beat the dog.

>>3
Correct, but you aren't beating the dog. Adding or removing laws from a bureacracy is like moving shit around the house rather than punishing the dog.

I think it's based on the fact that churches function as non-profit charity organizations.  It really doesn't have much to do with religion. 

Please don't bring the Church of Satan into this.  They are a bunch of frauds.  Just about any church can get tax-exempt status.  Another Satanic based church-- the Temple of Set based in California I believe is tax exempt.  And besides, if you want to change the law, go out and vote for someone that will. 

Hate groups can also pose as religions to be tax exempt.

Walmart should pose as a religious group and get tax exemption. Then we won't have to pay so much for their goods.