I can respect your convictions toward pacifism, but how do you get around Matthew 22:15-21 – “Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” ?

Rome’s military was funded through taxation the same way that America’s is today. It’s certainly not a stretch to say many of the actions of Rome’s military went against Christian principles. As such, how is Jesus’ statement there not still applicable?

“After all, we don’t see Christians picking up swords again for hundreds of years”. Simply historically not true. At all. There’s the Roman Centurion even before the disarming of Peter. The majority of Christians, in all lands, all through history, including the first few hundred years of the Christian era, have all enthusiastically supported war. The God of Jesus, who Christians believe IS Jesus, ordered his people to slaughter men, women, children and livestock at various times. Christian support the slaughters carrie dout by Israel to this day on the basis of such unambiguous scriptures. I’m all for people have the stones to oppose their government on issues like this – but a ‘biblical’ pacifist position requires intellectual gymnastics and ignoring of whole chunks of scripture.

I agree with Dustin. I’m all for pacifism & activism, but I don’t see how you can get around the moral & biblical imperative to pay your taxes. It’s not like Rome wasn’t a militaristic or violent society. This just doesn’t work on any Christian level. Not to mention the legality.

PS, I LOVE the idea (either Shane or someone with the Simple Way) of holding Easter services outside an urban gun store. That is a great idea. This one trying to withhold taxes stinks on ice.

The scripture also tells Christians to follow after Christ as our example not the ancient Israelites… and the early Christian church was, in fact, staunchly anti-war/violence up until the 4th century when Constantine made Christianity the religion of the Empire. Even after this, the most common Christian stance on war, was that Christians could support war, but not participate in it, they would pray for Rome’s victory though. It wasn’t until later in the 5-6th centuries that Christian just-war theory really took hold.

“The majority of Christians, in all lands, all through history, including the first few hundred years of the Christian era, have all enthusiastically supported war.”

Reference/resource please.

Shaine – Very nicely written. And despite the critics on this forum, you did indeed pay your taxes as we are obligated to do; despite the fact we may not agree with how the taxes are used. I for one do not support war either. And all Christians are called never to take up the sword, instead are to turn the other cheek and love our enemies. However, our governing authorities and military are not exempt from war and are called to protect those that they govern. Sometimes, this may include war and violence. Although I do not support or encourage war, and I often question the motives of our government, I know they are doing their best to protect us against other aggressors, however imperfect it may be.

On the other hand, I believe there is something far more sinister and evil at work within our country. It’s called abortion. Sadly, our government helps support abortion on demand in many clinics both at home and abroad. In fact, more people are killed via abortion than from war. The statistics claim that over 1 million innocent lives are snuffed out each year by abortion. That is far higher than all the wars America has been involved in over the past 40 years. And yet, NOTHING is being done about it. Next time you, or anyone of us sends our tax check in, write a note of your disapproval of how the government is involved in this holocaust. Tell them what you think. Maybe they will listen. Maybe they will not. My guess is the latter. But, I do know someone who is. My God, my King, and my Lord will someday judge those who carry out this horrific act. Only then, will justice be served.

Look at the article he posted a few weeks ago about ‘Giving unto Caesar what is Caesar’s”
http://www.redletterchristians.org/give-to-uncle-sam-what-is-uncle-sams-tax-season-war-resistance/

I like the idea of individuals being able to choose where their money goes. However, we are also instructed, as Christians, to be humble and to obey the law: “Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities, for there is not authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God.” (Romans 13:1).

Jesus Christ himself, though omnipotent, humiliated himself under an extremely corrupt judiciary system and was subsequently executed.

As a Christian, we must recognize that the authorities on Earth are appointed by God, and are to pray for them. As Christian voters, we are (at the very least) obligated to elect those who are not war-mongers and who will defend the innocent and powerless.

Paying tax is an act of faith and obedience on the part of the Christian because, in order to relinquish control over his or her money, the Christian must hold the belief that God will utilize the acts of immoral men in order to achieve His divine ends.

He did pay his taxes? He’s reporting in the blog post that he only paid 70%. You are saying he did pay the full amount he owed? I kind of find it hard to imagine you would owe taxes on <$10,000 income, but if you/he did owe, paying just 70% is not "paying your taxes" it's tax evasion and both illegal & not orthopraxy Christian behavior.

A Cordial Political & Theological Rebuttal to Shane Claiborne’s Letter to the IRS
http://bit.ly/fIcFo4

Why didn’t you tell us you were doing this Shane? This is awesome.

@Greg Dill, While it would be nice to write a note about how you don’t support abortion, it should be noted that no federal money goes directly to abortion. Yes it may go to other things in clinics like planned parenthood (like rent or such) but those organizations also do vital services like screening for cancer and STDs and birth control education (which is sadly lacking in our country). I would suggest reading some of what Tony Campolo has to say on the research proven ways to reduce abortion.

If your money was going to support the mass killing (think holocaust or something) of a certain race, religion or ethnicity would you not withhold your money? I mean how far does the imperative to pay your taxes go? Coud you live with yourself if you knew it went to fund gas chambers?

I know I am reducing the argument to the point of insanity, but it is to prove a point in the arguments weakness. I dont have a solution for the question I am posing. I am just trying to point out the problem and start the discussion.

Why an URBAN gun store?

@Greg Dill, While it would be nice to write a note about how you don’t support abortion for those who feel so inclined, it should be noted that no federal money goes directly to abortion. Yes it may go to other things in clinics like planned parenthood (like rent or such) but those organizations also do vital services like screening for cancer and STDs and birth control education (which is sadly lacking in our country). I would suggest reading some of what Tony Campolo has to say on the research proven ways to reduce abortion

Early Christians supporting war? They is much evidence, from the writers of the early Church, that many Christians were pacifist.
However, there is also evidence, from the same source, that some of the early Christians were members of the military.
I wonder if Mr Claiborne would pay his taxes if our country were being invaded? What would happen if he refused to pay his taxes in Iran or Afganistan?
Does he pay his taxes to support the police who might need to use force to protect him?

Erin,

You may wish to check your sources. The fact is, our government does fund abortion.

The Hyde Ammendment
http://www.prochoice.org/about_abortion/facts/public_funding.html

Obama Care
http://www.factcheck.org/2009/08/abortion-which-side-is-fabricating/

Overseas Abortion Funding
http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5jvOwH_9ERzim87XGxxfOJlpOuSfA

He paid 70%. He paid a majority of the amount. Some on here were claiming he did NOT pay his taxes at all. I clarified that he did. Yes, he still owes the remaining 30%.

Bernhe,

Historically, when it comes to the early church and their involvement in the military, it went like this:

If a military member became a believer while he was already serving in the military, they were encouraged to stay in, but only in non-combative roles. Otherwise, they were encouraged to leave the military.

The Bible is silent in regards to the fate of the Roman centurion who became a believer. He may have left his post, or he may not have. We cannot assume anything.

However, up until the 4th century, all believers were discouraged from joining the military. It was only while under Emperor Constantine that Christians began joining the military to take up the Christian cause by force. This is where the church first began its apostasy.

Erin,

You may wish to check your sources. The fact is, our federal government does indeed fund abortion.

The Hyde Ammendment
http://www.prochoice.org/about_abortion/facts/public_funding.html

Obama Care
http://www.factcheck.org/2009/08/abortion-which-side-is-fabricating/

Overseas Abortion Funding
http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5jvOwH_9ERzim87XGxxfOJlpOuSfA

Federal Funding of Planned Parenthood
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Planned_Parenthood#Funding

[...] the original post: Red Letter Christians » My Letter to the IRS Filed under All Posts Click here to cancel [...]

[...] two opinion articles to finish out the day. Shane Claiborne published his letter to the IRS letting them know that he will not be paying the 30% of his taxes that would go to the military, [...]

[...] of under paying, so I usually get a refund. Recently, I came across Shane Claiborne‘s “Letter to the IRS“.  For those of you you do not know Shane, he is a fellow Eastern University alum, one of [...]

The IRS will demand the payment of $97.33 to the U.S. Treasury. After selling a business I had run for 17 years, I was audited. They sent me a bill for $1.63 more. It’s a focused and theologically/values neutral organization. The IRS and its representatives only follow the law. It is our lawmakers who make them. Vote for someone else, lobby for change. Though your letter makes for a nice post and is thought provoking, the IRS, within their purview, will be just in asking for your additional payment.

Ugh…hard to get behind you on this one, Shane.

Seems to be a lot of talk about “my money.” Whose picture is on the money? I’m pretty sure I’m not the first guy to point this out *cough* Matthew 22:20 *cough**cough*

Believe me, if there was a way out of this, I would have found it. I don’t necessarily mind that my fellow Marines can eat and have MOST of what they need to accomplish the mission, but there a LOT of things the government does with “my” money that I don’t agree with. I certainly don’t agree with how they spend 70% of the time….it might be closer to 20% but I’d have to sit and do some figuring.

Meanwhile, most of the world’s population lives in utter poverty. I don’t see how theological fetishes do anything to meet the needs of those who are lost and suffering.

Dustin and Rob, it is not sinful to try. What if “Caesar” allows Shane to do this, or what if the IRS sends him a bill for the remaining balance? Do not we as Americans have the liberty to suggest where our money goes? Now, if Shane absolutely refuses to pay the money even if billed by the IRS then he is disobeying Matt 22:15-21; lets give it a chance and maybe try it next year. The worse that could happen is getting a bill in the mail notifying us that every month we will see the principal rise by I think 3%.

rural gun stores generally sell rifles to hunters. Urban ones traffic in stolen & shady weapons.

Uses of tax funds when the both Jesus & Paul said to pay your taxes:

World conquest via perpetual wars.

Feeding Christians to lions

Crucifixion of any dissenters

Sex crimes that would be a bit too much for Law & Order SVU to actually air

Find an exception in Scripture for tax payments.

Way to go Shane! I am surprised by how many people have responded negatively to this letter. As Christians we are to be subject to the authorities, which can mean paying your taxes, or being punished for not paying them. I think you are doing a good thing. Not sure it is the way I’ll go, but I celebrate what you are trying to do. Viva la revolution!

Hello Shane,

I completely (and respectfully) disagree with a few of the main points in this post. All of God’s word is inspired and pacifism is simply not supported by Jesus or the bible. Let me explain.

1. Read the Old Testament. God commissions the nation of Israel to murder entire nations and tribes of evil pagan people.

2. The second coming of Christ to earth. Much blood will be shed. In fact there are more passages of Christ’s second coming than his first. It’s going to be a turbulant. Check out Revelation 19: 11, 14 and just read it. Jesus destroys evil people

3. You currently enjoy the freedoms of our country bought by the blood of our soldiers. There are many born again Christians serving our country. Go live in Iran or Korea and see what life is like without true religious freedom. We are so blessed here.

4. God used our military strength to save and unite the nation of Isreal through the Holocaust.

My name is Dan DeHaan
you can email me at
d_dehaan81@yahoo.com
also, I have a blog http://www.theworshipbucket.blogspot.com

misunderstood. Definitely paid some. I still can’t imagine any scenario when you are reporting a total of less than $10,000 of taxable income and have even just yourself listed as a deduction that you would owe a dime of taxes. America does not tax those living in poverty (poverty line being just over $10,000 income for individual filer). I’m hoping the truth is that Shane is saying if he had 0 deductions and someone else claimed him as a dependent that his income tax would’ve been, and he’s going to pay it whether he owes it or not, but withholding the 30%, and they’d send him a note back saying you forgot to claim yourself here’s a check for the $ you sent in and possibly more for the EITC. That’s what I’m hoping actually happened. Tax evasion is not OK, and is not taught by scripture or Christ.

You might want to check those yourself. Federal gov’t does not fund a single abortion. Period. The Hyde Ammendment banned all federal funding of any abortions, and the “Obama Care” bill explicitly stated there are no abortions funded by Gov’t funds.

Dan, you use false dispensationalistic ideology to counter Christian pacifism.

Money used for rent means that other contributions do not need to be used for rent and may be redirected. Also, if a business unethically undermines competitors but also gives full health coverage to its employees, does this mean it is okay to offer financial support to the business?

From Greg’s Hyde Amendment link:
“In September 1993, Congress rewrote the provision to include Medicaid funding for abortions in cases where the pregnancy resulted from rape or incest. The present version of the Hyde Amendment requires coverage of abortion in cases of rape, incest, and life endangerment.”

While one may think that such abortions are justifiable, it is undeniable that – unless the pro-choice website Greg references is out of date with its information – the federal government “requires coverage of abortion” in the scenarios listed above (and if the law has been followed, then federal dollars have funded and continue to fund abortions that fit those instances).

Also, with respect to Planned Parenthood, if a man’s priority is burger first, beer second, and both cost $1, he needs $2 to obtain both. If he has $1, he might ask me for another dollar. I can give it to him, stipulating that he spend it on food and not beer. He can agree, and he can hold up his end of the agreement, taking the specific dollar I give him and exchanging it for a burger. However, my act has enabled him to purchase both wanted items, whereas previously, he was only going to be able to purchase his prioritized burger.

I essentially agree with Greg that killing (war, police use of force, capital punishment) by the state is more complex with respect to scripture. God led Israel to military victory many times. There is no record of Jesus denouncing the practice of crucifixion. His teachings were directed at individuals. He spoke of rendering unto Caesar, suggesting an otherness of the state relative to individuals and to God.

I’m uncomfortable with the use of force when Jesus says “do not resist an evil person.” At the same time, I don’t see clear evidence that this should be taken to mean that police and military are sinful.

Romans 13:1-7 (NIV)

Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and he will commend you. For he is God’s servant to do you good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword for nothing. He is God’s servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also because of conscience.

This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants, who give their full time to governing. Give everyone what you owe him: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.

Observations/Questions from Romans 13:1-7

The initial command is to “submit…to the governing authorities.” Taken alone, this suggests that it may be enough to either obey the law or willingly accept any penalties for laws broken, as opposed to engaging in any lawbreaking in secret and trying to avoid being caught. E.g. Shane did not pay all his taxes, but let the government know, expressing a readiness to accept whatever consequences the government deemed fit.

There is implicit approval for the bearing of the sword by the ruling authorities. If we feel compelled to submit to the authorities based on this scripture, we should also agree with its implications concerning the sword and the authority as “an agent of wrath to bring punishment…”

Is the implication that it is acceptable for government to use force in relation to domestic matters only, or does the implication extend to foreign matters as well? If the implication doesn’t extend to foreign matters, does it at least leave open the possibility that such use of force is acceptable?

Paul writes that “…he is God’s servant to do you good.” What, then, of tax day in a country where the dictator is actively carrying out genocide against one’s ethnic group? Surely this is to be understood as not doing good. Are we absolved from Paul’s and the Bible’s teaching in circumstances like this?

There is a clear directive to pay taxes if owed.

Given the lack of clarity concerning military action (is “the sword” domestic only or does it include foreign matters as well?), his acknowledgment of the need to submit, and his willingness to bear consequences, is it possible that Shane’s action is a reasonable attempt to reconcile the conflict presented by this passage?

Dan,

I find it ironic that you claim pacifism isn’t supported by Jesus or the Bible, but yet you never once go to the Gospels, only the Old Testament and Revelation. You somehow have totally neglected the Gospels and the rest of the New Testament. Shall we see what Jesus, Paul, and other New Testament did indeed teach about pacifism?

Mt 5:39 But I say to you, Do not make use of force against an evil man; but to him who gives you a blow on the right side of your face let the left be turned.

Mt 26:52 Then Jesus said to him, “Put your sword back into its place; for all who take the sword will perish by the sword.

Lu 6:27 But I say to you that listen, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you. 29 If anyone strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also;

Lu 6:35 But love your enemies, do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return. Your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High; for he is kind to the ungrateful and the wicked.

Ro 12.17-21 Do not repay anyone evil for evil, but take thought for what is noble in the sight of all. If it is possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave room for the wrath of God; for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” No, “if your enemies are hungry, feed them; if they are thirsty, give them something to drink; for by doing this you will heap burning coals on their heads. Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

1Th 5:15 See that none of you repays evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to all.

Eph 6.12 For our struggle is not against enemies of blood and flesh, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.

2 Co 10:4 The weapons with which we fight are not human weapons, but are mighty for God in overthrowing strong fortresses.

Gal. 5.19-23 Now the works of the flesh are clear, which are these: evil desire, unclean things, wrong use of the senses, 20 Worship of images, use of strange powers, hates, fighting, desire for what another has, angry feelings, attempts to get the better of others, divisions, false teachings, 21 Envy, uncontrolled drinking and feasting, and such things: of which I give you word clearly, even as I did in the past, that they who do such things will have no part in the kingdom of God. 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, a quiet mind, kind acts, well-doing, faith, 23 Gentle behavior, control over desires: against such there is no law.

1 Peter 3.8 Finally, all of you, have unity of spirit, sympathy, love of the brethren, a tender heart and a humble mind. :9 Do not return evil for evil or reviling for reviling; but on the contrary bless, for to this you have been called, that you may obtain a blessing.

James 4.1-2 What is the cause of wars and fighting among you? is it not in your desires which are at war in your bodies? 2 You are burning with desire, and have not your desire, so you put men to death; you are full of envy, and you are not able to get your desire, so you are fighting and making war; you have not your desire, because you do not make request for it.

This is only a small sampling. Please repent and turn from your worldy ways. Violence has no place in the Christian’s heart and mind.

Peace,

greg

Agreed.

Rob,

I’m not sure which part you missed in these links. All of them state that our federal government provides abortion as needed. In fact, D-Dawg copied and pasted a quote directly from their websites.

Peace,

greg

I am a new Christian who recently decided to follow Jesus after years of thinking Christians were a bunch of hypocrites for cherry picking Jesus’ words to avoid things they didn’t like. I was then super excited to find people who actually followed and believed what they read … you were one of those guys. And now you’re cherry picking. Jesus told us to pay our taxes and he backed it up by doing it himself. And he paid taxes to an oppressive occupying government. I gotta rethink a bunch of this. What do we follow of Jesus and what can we ignore if we aren’t comfortable with his hard calling?

You may be right. It seems and feels wrong to say “maybe not all the time” to clear teachings, and I don’t particularly like doing so.

What would you say to the following, though: The scriptures instruct us concerning tithing. While they were written in the context of crops and livestock (as opposed to currency), many understand the tithe today to be connected to giving 10% of one’s income to God’s work through the Church (and many of those understand income to mean gross income). Jesus affirmed the Law and the Prophets, and thus, He affirmed the instructions concerning tithing. He also said to render unto Caesar.

[http://www.taxfoundation.org/publications/show/151.html (page 29)]
In 1955, the top marginal tax rate was 91%. For the Christian in that tax bracket in 1955 America who understood tithing as indicated above, they could not both pay taxes and tithe.

What should such a Christian have done in that circumstance?

I would like to undermine my point somewhat. It is true that there was a charitable deduction in place in 1955. Thus, even with a 91% rate, you could tithe and be taxed on the remaining income (assuming any deduction limits were greater than 10% of income), which would leave you with 8.1% of your gross income. While it is possible that the state could levy an even higher tax or undo the charitable deduction, I did not come up with a solid historical example in trying to make my point.