The Evils of Taxes in the Bible
Taxes are a hot-button issue in many countries, and it’s no surprise that the Bible often addresses them. Even though the world has changed quite a bit since biblical times, the same principles still apply. Although the Bible doesn’t offer specifics on taxation, we can get a sense of what the authors believed was right and wrong when it came to payment of taxes.
In the Old Testament, one of the earliest references to taxation can be found in Genesis 47:24, with Pharaoh paying tribute to Jacob’s son Joseph. This was likely due to the famine that had been ravaging Egypt and Joseph’s gift of insight allowed Pharaoh to save his people from starvation. For Abraham, paying tithe was a way of showing his thankfulness to God for the prosperity that he had received.
The New Testament sees taxation as a practical necessity, with Jesus telling his followers to “render unto Caesar what is Caesar’s.” This is highly significant, as it is proof that Jesus recognized the need for taxes. He also taught his followers to do “Whatever it takes to show respect and honor to your government, even if you don’t agree with it all of the time”.
The notion of taxation as a burden to be overcome can also be found in the Bible. In the book of Matthew, Jesus describes the Pharisees as being “like crushed doves and groaning under the weight of taxes.” Clearly, Jesus was aware of the heavy burden of taxation in his times, and the implication is that taxation was seen as an evil to be endured and endured grudgingly.
At the same time, the Bible also embraces the need for taxes. This is evident in Luke 20:22, where Jesus said to render unto Caesar even what was due unto God. This statement shows that Jesus was aware that taxes can be a necessary part of running a society, and that it is important to pay them as best we can. At the same time, he also cautioned against excessive taxation, saying that when a government passed upon its people burdens that are too heavy to bear, the people should “not give in.”
Overall, it is clear that the Bible views taxation as both a need and a burden. In the Bible, we find advice about the way in which taxes should be paid and how much should be paid in relation to what we receive in return. We also find examples of how our obligations to the state can be humanized if we pay taxes responsibly. Ultimately, it is up to each individual to decide how much of their own resources to give in taxes, but the wise will do it cheerfully and not grudgingly.
The Benefits of Taxes in the Bible
Since taxation is such an unavoidable part of most societies, it is important to understand the ways in which taxes can be beneficial. The Bible provides several examples of taxes being used for the common good. In Hebrews 7:2, for instance, Abraham is praised for paying tithe, as it helped to support both the Levites and the needy. In addition, the book of Matthew records the famous quote from Jesus, in which he commanded his followers to “Render unto Caesar the things that are Caesar’s”. This is significant, as Jesus emphasized the importance of paying taxes in order to support the government and its people.
In addition to the examples found in the Bible, there is also the practical reality that taxation allows a society to function. Taxation helps to fund public works projects, social services programs, national defense, and more. In some cases, such as with sales taxes, taxes can also help to keep consumer prices down, as retailers tend to pass on higher costs to consumers. Taxes can also help to provide the government with the resources it needs to address inequalities and other social issues, thereby ensuring that the beneficiaries of these services are able to access them.
In addition to the practical realities, taxation can also promote a greater sense of social responsibility. By requiring people to pay taxes, governments can encourage individuals to better contribute to the common good. In essence, taxation serves as an incentive for citizens to help support the state and its services, thereby creating a more equitable and beneficial society.
Overall, taxation can be beneficial when used for the common good. In the Bible, we see how taxes can be used to fund public works projects and keep consumer costs low. We also see how taxes can help to promote greater social responsibility and encourage citizens to help support their government. In short, taxation can be an important tool in providing for the collective needs of a society.
Tax-Avoidance in the Bible
Tax-avoidance is something that is not directly addressed in the Bible, but that doesn’t mean that the authors of the Bible were unconcerned about the issue. We can get a sense of what the Bible had to say about tax avoidance through examples found in the New Testament.
For example, Jesus’ interaction with the Pharisees is often cited when it comes to the issue of tax avoidance. In Luke 10:25-37, Jesus is approached by a lawyer who asks what he should do to inherit eternal life. Then, Jesus asks the lawyer what is written in the law, and he responds by citing several laws from the Torah. Jesus then tells the lawyer that he should “act on all these commands”. This passage can be seen as a form of tax avoidance, as Jesus is discouraging the man from finding loopholes in the law in order to avoid paying taxes.
In a similar vein, Jesus often asked his followers to pay their taxes with a cheerful heart. In Matthew 22:17-21, a group of Pharisee and Herodians come to Jesus, asking him whether or not it is right to pay taxes to Caesar. Without hesitation, Jesus tells them that they should “render unto Caesar the things that are Caesar’s”. In this passage, Jesus is encouraging his followers to pay their taxes honestly and without evasion.
Although the Bible doesn’t provide specific guidance on issues like tax evasion, it is clear that the authors of the Bible had strong views on the matter. Through various examples found in the Old and New Testaments, the Bible emphasizes the importance of paying taxes honestly and without evasion. It also encourages citizens to render unto Caesar the things that are Caesar’s in order to support the government and its services.
The Role of Faith in Taxation
At its core, faith plays a large role in how we approach taxes. Though not often discussed, Christian faith appears to influence how people view taxes, both on an individual and societal level.
On an individual level, Christian faith encourages us to “render unto Caesar” and pay taxes according to our abilities. This means that, even if it isn’t particularly enjoyable to pay taxes, Christians are expected to pay their taxes responsibly and cheerfully, out of recognition of God’s sovereignty over his creation.
On a societal level, Christian faith encourages us to strive for a more equitable taxation system. This is evident in Luke 4:18, when Jesus says that he has come to “Preach good news to the poor”. In other words, Jesus was concerned with ensuring that those who struggled economically had access to public services and resources that could ultimately lift them out of poverty. In this way, Christian faith encourages us to strive for a taxation system that is both equitable for the poor and beneficial for society.
At the same time, faith can also be seen as a way to confront a government that is unduly burdensome or unfair in its taxation system. Jesus himself criticized the Pharisees for burdening God’s people with excessive taxes, and the New Testament provides clear instructions on resisting oppressive governments. This can be done either by working to bring about more just policies in the present, or by electing officials who will take a stronger stance on taxation.
Overall, faith can play an important role when it comes to taxation. By being mindful of our obligations to Caesar, we can strive for a more equitable taxation system. At the same time, faith can also serve as a guide to confront oppressive taxation systems and strive for more just solutions.
Conclusion
When it comes to taxes, there is a lot to be learned from the Bible. We can see how taxes were viewed in biblical times and how we can apply the same principles today. We can also learn about the ways in which taxes can be beneficial, as well as the importance of avoiding tax evasion. Finally, we can see how Christian faith can inform our perspective on taxes and help us strive for a more equitable taxation system.
