The modern church has ignored these issues, but we can no longer afford to be silent.  The civil magistrate is responsible for such things as securing our national borders with military force, enforcing legal contracts,  protecting the people against fraud (such as inflation), providing a judicial system to both protect the rights of people and to punish convicted criminals (who break the laws of God).

Redistribution of income is a fairly simple concept.  After a person has received income (usually in monetary form in exchange for labor), some entity takes a portion of that income away from the recipient and transfers it to other persons for other needs.    Ownership and possession of assets are transferred.   When the civil magistrate does it, we call it a tax.  When the Church does it, we call it an offering.   The former is done usually under duress.  The latter is done usually voluntary.   

Biblically, redistribution of income is right and proper.  The civil magistrate has a right to tax and the Church has the right to collect offerings.   The legitimacy of redistribution of income is rooted in the Bible.     

The more important questions in regard to redistribution of income is how much and to whom?  In regard to redistribution by the church there is a simple answer.  It is generally agreed that the amount is 10% of income and the recipients and needs are easily defined in the church budget for things like the pastor’s salary, support of missionaries, utilities needed to facilitate worship, and other things like helping the poor as identified by the deacons of the church.  

In regard to the civil magistrate, the same questions must be asked.  How much and for what?  This is where the rubber meets the road.  Few are willing to suggest a percentage.  The question usually engenders silence.  Nobody knows how much should be taken from the taxpayer and redistributed to other persons or needs.  What about 10%, 30%, or even 80% from those who have the ability to pay?   I’ve watched some guests on Fox News bold enough (or foolish enough) to suggest a percentage.  And for what needs?  Military expenditures, education, welfare, support of Israel, support of Egypt, or even birth control pills? 

It is incumbent upon Christians to enter the conversation presently dominated by politicians, both liberals and conservatives.  Neither Fox News nor CNN should not have a monopoly on this discussion.   It is neither a conservative issue nor a liberal issue.  It is a Christian issue.  The root or fundamental questions are religious (Christian) issues.  They always are.  God reigns over all!

Historically, the Church has defined the parameters of the civil magistrate and guaranteed its right to redistribute income.  The modern church has ignored these issues, but we can no longer afford to be silent.  The civil magistrate is responsible for such things as securing our national borders with military force, enforcing legal contracts,  protecting the people against fraud (such as inflation), providing a judicial system to both protect the rights of people and to punish convicted criminals (who break the laws of God).

Education is the responsibility of the family and welfare is the responsibility of the Church.  That is the way is used to be before the Church became silent and the State supplanted God as the Messiah.   The only taxes needed for redistribution by the State are those that will enable the civil magistrate to perform its function within these parameters.  That’s all and no more.  Just consider the reduction in taxes under a biblical model!

Yes indeed, I am all for the redistribution of income.  The question is not whether it is legitimate.  It is!  The more important questions are fundamental.   How much and for what?  Our Christian forefathers knew the answer.   Somewhere along the road, we Christians lost the right answer.  Even worse, somewhere along the road, we Christians lost the ability to even ask the right questions. 

Larry Ball is a retired PCA minister currently living in Fleming Island, Florida

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