I would argue that even if one didn't see the value in religious organizations, schools do provide a benefit or actual philanthropy. Most of those who pay for

I would argue that even if one didn't see the value in religious organizations, schools do provide a benefit or actual philanthropy. Most of those who pay for private school both pay taxes to help cover the overall costs of public education and also pay tuition (and make donations) to their privates schools. In essence, the private education is providing quality education without removing resources from public schools. From the standpoint of churches, I agree that many of them perform little outreach to their communities. However, many of them do provide valuable philanthropic services such as soup kitchens, clothes closets, donated space for AA meetings, etc.