Well, it's been a long time since I've posted morning after thoughts. Seems like since school started back up my Monday mornings have been a little more hectic. But, I'll try to get back up on that horse...
Probably the biggest thought I have about that Matt 22:15-22 text this morning is that even though I think & hope we had a good time yesterday exploring that whole idea of "image"....."whose image" & where is it, and all of that....SOME questions about actual TAXES may be percolating in the back of your minds.
After all, the original question to the teacher from Nazareth was, "is it Lawful [ok with Torah] to pay taxes to the Emperor?"
The relevant point of that question is that the Emperor is someone who is perceived as awful; evil; himself, opposed to Torah.
It's difficult to draw an exact parallel, culturally speaking, from that day to ours. Israel was a conquered people ruled by heartless outsiders. We have a representative democracy. Your party may not be in power at present, but you get to vote. Still, now and then a Christian's conscience will be troubled by something his/her nation is doing with their tax dollars. The most immediate thing that comes to mind is the current war and other acts of aggression. One may very easily find one's self wishing that we could STIPULATE that our tax dollars not be used for such enterprises. There are, no doubt, other issues as well that enflame the hearts of conscientious people. And so perhaps the question is asked again, "is it lawful to pay taxes?" "Is there any way I can get out of this for the sake of my conscience?"
The Bible has never been very helpful on this front. Jesus says in Matthew 22 that the Emperor (or the US Government) seems to have a right to expect a monetary support from the people. St. Paul in Romans 13 talks a great deal about the civil authorities and the fact that we are to submit ourselves to them.
Compared to the bulk of human history, we in our day live in a pretty unique culture. If you disagree with the way your government is using your tax dollars, you actually have *some* choices. You can vote for a different person or a different party, perhaps even run for office yourself! But one thing you really can't do is use your religion as an 'excuse' for not paying your taxes.
cheers,
TM
About Me...what is an 'evangelical-catholic?'
- Pastor Tim Manwell
- Elk Grove Village, IL, United States
- I was born & raised in rural mid-Michigan (M-go blue!). Life & work have taken me to many different places. God has too, as I've come to learn that faith is a pilgrimage. I very much resonate with the label 'EVANGELICAL-CATHOLIC.' I was raised Baptist, but found myself drawn to the Sacraments & Liturgy of the Church. I appreciate very much the words of the Augsburg Confession: "...nothing has been received among us, in doctrine or in ceremonies, that is contrary to Scripture or to the church catholic." Evangelical-catholic is a term of self-designation used by Christians coming from a broad spectrum of theological perspectives and commitments, ranging from Lutherans, Anglicans, and various Evangelicals yearning for greater catholicity .....to faithful Roman Catholics longing for an evangelical renewal of the Church. Perhaps beneath the apparent denominational differences there lies a common...groaning of the Spirit of God, who is seeking to draw the members of Christ’s mystical body into a communal life that is both fully catholic and fully evangelical. One can always hope and pray!
Listen to Current Sermons (hi speed)
Monday, October 20, 2008
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