Post by Josh on Feb 18, 2017 13:53:17 GMT -8
Recently, Alex (Grokit) posted an article on facebook challenging the notion that Christians should pay taxes, intending to argue that Jesus' "render unto Caesar" statement actually means that we should not pay taxes.
I'm surprised we've never discussed this issue before on the forums, and I'd be interested to hear other's thoughts.
This was my response to the article (see link above):
This article creates a smokescreen rather than delivering a clear answer. Jesus says give back to Caesar what belongs to him ( i.e., the coin). Pretty clear there, even though of course, Jesus is making some deeper and subtle points. Yes, all things are God's in one sense but it doesn't logically follow that this trumps owing anyone else anything. Likely, Jesus was meaning that we should give the authorities the externalities they demand but give to God our hearts, our spiritual allegiance.
But, more importantly (and tellingly) it doesn't even mention parallel passages which shed light on this one, such as Romans 13:6-7, where Paul says (again of a government that could be accused of many injustices):
This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants, who give their full time to governing. Give to everyone what you owe them: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.
Likewise, in Matt 17:24-27 we are told that Jesus paid the Temple tax even though he disagreed with it, in order to not cause offense.
Lastly, early church tradition maintains that the early Christians (though persecuted) dutifully paid their taxes: clement of Alexandria/Tertullian / apostolic constitutions/Justin Martyr all affirm the interpretation of these passages as meaning we are to pay taxes to the governing authorities.
I'm surprised we've never discussed this issue before on the forums, and I'd be interested to hear other's thoughts.
This was my response to the article (see link above):
This article creates a smokescreen rather than delivering a clear answer. Jesus says give back to Caesar what belongs to him ( i.e., the coin). Pretty clear there, even though of course, Jesus is making some deeper and subtle points. Yes, all things are God's in one sense but it doesn't logically follow that this trumps owing anyone else anything. Likely, Jesus was meaning that we should give the authorities the externalities they demand but give to God our hearts, our spiritual allegiance.
But, more importantly (and tellingly) it doesn't even mention parallel passages which shed light on this one, such as Romans 13:6-7, where Paul says (again of a government that could be accused of many injustices):
This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants, who give their full time to governing. Give to everyone what you owe them: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.
Likewise, in Matt 17:24-27 we are told that Jesus paid the Temple tax even though he disagreed with it, in order to not cause offense.
Lastly, early church tradition maintains that the early Christians (though persecuted) dutifully paid their taxes: clement of Alexandria/Tertullian / apostolic constitutions/Justin Martyr all affirm the interpretation of these passages as meaning we are to pay taxes to the governing authorities.