Have We “Polluted” Christianity with Conservatism (3)
A few days ago I was involved in a conversation on Facebook which prompted the whole idea of this thread. A commenter said "we have polluted Christianity with Conservative Ideology".
Yesterday I asked the question: Is taking the position of low taxation an exclusively conservative position or is it a matter of faith?
Before I dive in allow me to say thank you for your comments. I am so thankful for all of you who keep me thinking correctly or thinking at all 
. Specifically Jordan; I can always count on you to make sure I am being clear and inclusive in my comments and Jim; thank you for interjecting the foundational truth of obedience to God and His delegated authority.
Now onto the point:
As Christians we have the answers for every problem on earth. God has given us the responsibility (Psalm 115:16) and the authority (Mathew 28:18-20) to steward the earth and has spoken to every aspect of life (2 Peter 1:3) through His specific revelation to His people. The Bible.
I chose taxation because there are opinions ranging all over the place and some Christians believe it is good to take from some for the benefit of others.
Same sex marriage would have been too easy. Having said that there is a very good reason for opposition to same sex marriage other than, "it’s a sin"; which is fine for Christians but the world won’t buy it.
Jim you brought up Mathew 22:21 render unto Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s. The Constitution, with guidance from the Bible, tells us what is lawful and Biblical related to taxation. Civil government needs, and has the right, to collect taxes for things like national defense, punishing evil, keeping the peace and very little else. Romans 13 is very clear on this point.
In "Americas Providential History" Mark A. Beliles & Stephen K. McDowell quote Gary DeMar:
"In the United Stated the Constitution is our "Caesar." We are bound to pay what it stipulates is our due. But neither citizens nor civil representatives must assume that Jesus gave rulers a blank check in the area of taxation…
Another word for tax is tribute. We are directed in scripture to give God a 10% tithe so any amount above that for civil government could be construed as idolatry.
Property taxes are expressly forbidden in 1 Sam 8:14, 1 Kings 21, and Ezk 46:18. With property taxes the property is in effect owned by the state and rented to citizens. If we fail to pay the rent (tax) we can be evicted. This is theft. God owns the land and gives it to us to steward. (Gen 1:28-30) The State has no part in this relationship.
Proverbs 13:22 says a good man leaves an inheritance to his children. Our estate tax system, though not expressly forbidden in scripture, makes it very difficult to leave an inheritance. Without burdensome estate and insurance planning up to 55% of our estate will be absorbed by the state at our death. this tax is sold as a tax on "the rich". It is more accurately a huge burden on family farms and small business. The rich don’t pay taxes.
There are so many more places I could go with this but it’s too long already.
Because conservatism, (not Republican party), most closely aligns itself with the Biblical clarity regarding the purpose and amount of taxation. I am a conservative. There is no Biblical, or constitutional, basis for "wealth redistribution".
Taxation for me is not a matter of politics but of faith. What part of this is "polluting" to Christianity?
Tags: Politics, Conservatism, Christianity, Private Property, Taxes, Estate Tax
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Finally Got Started
After realizing setting goals is easy, it’s time to get going. So I guilted myself into getting downstairs and setting up the bike.
Stats and info will be posted here if your interested in the bicycle stuff.
It has been so hard to start writing songs again. At Bible college it was so easy. I think because there is an anointing on the place for writing songs. So this morning I picked up a hymnal from 1895 "Gospel Hymns Nos.1-6". No music, no notation, just lyrics.
When I heard A.W. Tozer used to go into his room with his Bible and a Hymnal to have communion with the Father years ago I started picking up Hymnals. I love them.
There is a gate that stands ajar,
And through its portals gleaming
A radiance from the Cross afar,
the Saviour’s love revealing.
ref.- Oh, depth of mercy ! can it be
That gate was left ajar for me?
For me, for me?
Was left ajar for me?
That gate ajar stands free for all
Who seek through it salvation;
The rich and poor, the great and small,
Of every tribe and nation,
Press onward then, though foes may frown,
While mercy’s gate is open;
Accept the cross, and win the crown,
Love’s everlasting token.
Beyond the river’s brink we’ll lay
the cross that here is given,
And bear the crown of life away,
And love Him more in heaven.
I sat in the parking lot waiting for Kim with tears in my eyes as I read these lyrics. So to take the lid off the process I have reworked the lyrics and tomorrow I will record the melody that is ringing in my head.
the book writing is already behind schedule, so not out of the woods yet.
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Have We “Polluted” Christianity with Conservatism? (2)
On Monday I asked the above question and received a couple of good comments between Facebook and the here.
Today I want to pose a question.
Is taking the position of low taxation an exclusively conservative position? or is it a matter of faith?
Obviously I believe it is a matter of faith which is one reason I am a conservative because I am a Christian.
I have much more to say on this topic but really would like your insight.
Chime in.
Tags: Taxation, Politics, Christianity, Government
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Have We “Polluted” Christianity With Conservatism?
Yesterday a friend on facebook made the point we should never compromise principle while being mindful of our tone. He stated the principles are not ours to moderate there is such a thing as absolute truth.
One of the comments got me thinking.
This morning I posted to my political blog “Some Things Should Be Defeated” which is a partial response but I wanted to ask the question of the readers of this blog.
Has Christianity been polluted by Conservative ideology?
The implication is conservative positions on things like the environment, healthcare, the size of government, and the role of the military may be right or wrong but do not represent a Christian worldview.
Those of you who’ve read this blog for awhile know what I’m going to say but I’m not going to say it…..yet.
I want to hear what you think first.
Real Heroes
It’s one thing to see stories like this on TV but when it’s someone you know it really brings it home.
Aaron and Tanya have been in this process for a long time and when they found out they could bring their boys home they could have just focused on themselves and that would have been fine but that’s not what they did.
With the help of Messenger International where Aaron is the CFO they chartered a 737 and brought home 80 children. They are considering other flights as well.
Watch this clip from the NBC nightly news and then go to the Messenger International website to see how you can help.
Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy
Setting Goals is Easy
Achieving them is the hard part.
Yesterday I woke up full of anticipation and excitement. I was going to be stranded all day at home without a car. The Honda is out of comission for awhile, hopefully not forever, long story.
This was going to be a day of writing and recording with my new PowerBook G4. I couldn’t wait.
Then it seems all heaven and earth conspired against me. Everything that could have gone wrong went wrong. The day ended with discouragement and feeling like the day was mostly wasted. This morning I have a new perspective thanks to my mentor.
Without really noticing I have become very “me” focused. I read recently the thing that you are most irritated with in others may be the thing you need to address most.
in your own life. Wow so true with me right now. Today I return to pressing into Him and trusting He knows what I need to be doing today.
Thank you Lord for people who love me enough to tell me the truth.
Tags: Goals, Dissapointment
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The First Day
Today I begin working toward the goals for 2010.
I have found a place to set up recording equipment and have a plan for writing the book and for getting in shape to ride the copper triangle.
Haven’t found a countdown widget so I’ll just keep track and post progress. Thanks for keeping me accountable.
Hope International Schools
Just got home from a board meeting with Hope International Schools.
I met Joel Vanderkooi when he was an attorney for Mountain States Employers Council while I was the HR manager for Messenger International.
Joel had a vision to reach the world for Christ by planting schools. When he felt like the time was right he approached me to sit on the board. it has been an honor. Amazing to watch the hand of God on this family as they follow God’s call on their lives.
They have met with very significant difficulty and have stood firm in the face of it knowing they are called and God is the source and the substance of everything they need. They hope to open this spring and are well on their way.
Tonight we had our meeting on a Skype video call and were able to meet the teachers. I was so blessed as they introduced themselves, almost half of them through an interpretor, and spoke of how the school was an answer to prayer and how blessed they were to be able to serve God in this way.
They have an immediate need for a principle so they can finish the licensing process. As well as financial help until the school is fully enrolled and able to sustain itself. Then it’s off to plant the next one.
We have set up Twitter, Facebook, Youtube, and WordPress sites if you would like more information.
Please pray for them and if you know of a great principle with a huge vision let us know.
Wordle
make your own at wordle.net
Looking Forward
2009 was a year of sowing and growth. I look for 2010 to be a year of continued sowing and growth however I am also expecting some harvest.
“A Broken House” a small book about my heart for the church is finished and on it’s way to the editor. Last night I laid out a plan to write the next one. It will be called “The Language of Heaven”. This morning I woke up singing a chorus for the first time in a very long time.
As I was on my way to mens prayer this morning I made a decision to set a songwriting goal. Later in the day it occurred to me to set a goal to finish the book as well. Then my friend Tom called and reminded me about a ride we had talked about late last year. So here are the 2010 goals.
- Have “The Language of Heaven” written by July 1st
- Write 35 songs by Christmas break, (Tom thinks this is too many)
- Ride the Copper Triangle on August 7th, 2010
The ride supports the Davis Phinney Foundation for parkinson’s If you would like to make a contribution you can contact me here.
So there you have it. I’ll look for a countdown widget for the blog and you can keep me accountable. I appreciate all of you reading and your encouragement.
My Songs
