The Standard of American Liberty - Taxes, Tyranny & Jesus

How did Jesus resist Tyranny?

Within the realm of American Secular Politics, there remains one steadfast rule for the wanna be patriot, rebellion or resistance. The two are so closely allied, I group them together.

For those aligned with the idea of resistance being nothing more than pacifism, you will be disappointed with this post. But for the true Disciple of Jesus and Biblical ideas of resistance, this article will hopefully provide some Truth and Peaceful Understanding.

In a previous post, I dealt with the issue of a person paying taxes that they weren't legally required to pay, all for the simple reason of protecting the Tax Collector from legal harm. Next I want to very briefly introduce an idea that will leave many patriots probably feeling a bit uncomfortable, especially in their bid to return America to her Christian roots.

No Taxation w/o Representation

This issue was one of the Hallmarks of the American Revolution. In fact the Cry "No Taxation without Representation" was the official motto that accompanied it and the Founding Fathers' resistance to tyrannical taxes passed by King George and Parliament as well as the Officials in the Colonies having the duty of enforcing these edicts.

For those desiring to return to the Christian roots of America, I wonder how well the official policies of the Founders, as well as their actions, line up with the Words and actions of Jesus. Do they even come close to being the same?

The Bostonians Paying the Excise-Man, or Tarring and Feathering,
attributed to Philip Dawe, 1774, in the Colonial Williamsburg collection.

If Jesus would go so far as to pay a tax He didn't owe in order to protect the Tax Collector, I wonder if the Founders ever went this far in there dealings with officials and Governing Bodies? Surely there are examples within American History to justify this return to such lofty Christian ideals and actions, aren't there?

And surely, those espousing such resistance and rebellion would be most willing to point us to the loftiest standards, say, those of the Christ they would have us emulate, right?  And the example set by Patriots of old that also believed the words of Jesus and were willing to follow them, even in the face of further tyranny and even death? Please, let the prophet for American Patriotism speak from authority. May he disdain empty words and rhetoric not espoused by God in the flesh!

God, Politics & Taxes - Viewing the IRS Through the Eyes of Jesus

Many remain unsure about Caesar & God.

In this age of using Jesus Christ as a poster child for the nearest available cause to trumpet to the world, it's easy to take the glib merger of the holy and profane. I'm sure many could say the same about the hot button issue of taxes.

Over the past three decades, many personalities have given their take about taxes, even using The Bible coupled with the IRS Code and other Law as their main source for authority. If you have any familiarity with this august group, you will know that most of them are now shining their light of truth while enclosed within the authority of United States Federal Prison Bars.

Irwin Schiff - Now in prison

Larken Rose - Now in prison

Kent Hovind - Now in prison

From Irwin Schiff to Larken Rose to Kent Hovind, particular issues have been researched, debated and argued in open court (local, state, federal, IRS, etc) as well as the most public of forums, the World Wide Web, all with losses of time, money and, ultimately, freedom.

Instead of rehashing these arguments from the legal realm, I prefer to take a look at the words and actions of Jesus as recorded in the Bible in Matthew, chapter 17. And also, instead of looking at his response to the Pharisees about "rendering unto Caesar," a look at his ultimate response when His Disciples were asked by the Tax Collector, "Does your Master pay taxes?" is preferred.

After Peter answers for His Master, Jesus proceeds to give Peter a legal and historical reminder of current fundamental tax law under Rome (which has not changed to this day). Peter is then further reminded that, while Jesus generally paid taxes, Jesus was not obligated by law to pay this particular tax.

If you are familiar with this story, you know that Jesus sent Peter to catch the fish, remove the gold coins from the mouth and pay the tax for both of them.

Certain Roman Tax Law has not changed!

It definitely makes for interesting discussion the fact that Jesus was not legally required to pay this tax, yet payed it anyway. Many might be tempted to conclude that Jesus caved in to Roman barbarism and any subsequent ill effects of resisting and rebelling against the powers that be. The Word of God, however, does not leave us to guess or draw educated conclusions. Jesus specifically tells us why he payed the tax he did not owe.

Jesus paid a tax he did not owe in order to protect the Tax Collector from proceeding against Him unlawfully and suffering the legal consequences of his actions. Once again the summary wrath of Rome could be brought to bear, for the life of the Tax Collector was subject to forfeiture if caught violating the terms of the license they operated under. Rome was not known for their tenderness when dealing with violations of its Law, especially from its own Officers.

For this reason, Jesus took the highest road possible. Knowing what the Law stated and required from Him personally, He was well within the boundaries of the Law. And yet, to protect the Publican from any potential mistake and violation in the exercise of his Official duties, Jesus paid a tax not required of Him!

Think about that! How many are willing to rise to that level of action in their lives? Who would be willing to act in such a way to protect any IRS agent? Yet, Jesus is our example to follow. How many are serious about it?

Jesus & Taxes - Was Jesus an IRS Tax Protestor?

I've seen the following picture on Facebook recently about Irwin Schiff, Taxes, the IRS and prison. I finally shared it with a preface statement and questions as follows.

"If you, like Irwin Schiff and others, were faced with a government that wanted you to pay taxes you weren't required by law to pay, what would your response be? Would it be the same as Irwin Schiff and others? Would it be the same as Jesus?"

Did irwin Schiff know Jesus' Tax law?

I wonder how many know what the response of Jesus was to the idea of paying a tax He wasn't legally liable to pay? Were you aware that Jesus faced this dilemma? Do you know the choice Jesus exercised? Can you guess?

I assure you that the option chosen by Jesus was not one most of us would have seriously considered, much less actually performed. I will make another post about His choice. In the meantime, see if you can figure it out.