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RE: The 501-c-3 Church AKA Tax Exemption. Shekels come Shackles QUOTES and PROOFS it is NOT of GOD
Many good points made here. However , should the church gratuitously pick a fight with the state? The state is there....as it was in Christ’s time: “Render unto Caesar....”. Should the Church ignore the state completely?
The members are the Church are going to be taxed.....in some jurisdictions over 60% of their income. Tax deductibility allows one to give more in support of the Church’s work...which should be a good thing....no?
The state is too big and too powerful....as was the case with Rome. Finding a balance which allows effective function of the church without surrendering on issues of moral import is difficult.
I understand you point however the principle outweighs individual points. Stateism is an absolute surrender even if the state is benevolent. They reserve the right not to be so, while the church ,though at a form of liberty has surrendered the right to be so. Authority is the issue. Rendering to Caesar that which belongs to God exclusively is a form of theft. Is the Church Free? If so it can not be a tax collector for the state,( publican) which it will become as an employer. When Peter was asked if his master paid tribute this response was in error and Jesus corrected him, nevertheless he was told to pay because he had said he would, ( let your yeh be yeah,.. he that swareth yo his own hurt...and answering a matter before he heard it, all come to into play.) But notice that Peter was told to put a hook with no bait into the water and take money from the fishes mouth to pay, so as to not look like a liar. The money dd not come from Peter Jesus or even Judas who heald the purse. The church is not an exempt organization it is an exception to taxes being f an entirely different jurisdiction.
TO RENDER,therefore to Caesar is to Rob from God.
The Jews of Jesus day essentially had the same fear of conflict and of loosing money and standing and took the 501 c 3 position and declared , We have no King but Caesar..
I would personally perfer to loose the deduction than compromise the Church....