If a Christian's understanding of politics is greatly shaped by the assumption that "taxation is theft," he or she ought to realize that such a view is quite novel, not just for the Protestant/Reformed tradition, but the history of global Christianity as a whole.
In reality, such an idea finds more commonality with Enlightenment and post-Enlightenment prioritization of the individual than any semblance of a biblical understanding of communal life and thriving.
Can taxation become a form of theft? Absolutely. But that is entirely
Can taxation become a form of theft? Absolutely. But that is entirely
different from seeing taxation *inherently* as theft. A biblical understanding of communal life and thriving recognizes that there is a mutual responsibility of one to another that involves cost, time, and effort. Infrastructure and communal needs expand in proportion to the
size of a community because people are not living in hermetically sealed bubbles.
In fact, it has been a historically Christian understanding to work toward the common good of society and especially advocate for the most vulnerable in a community. The Reformation in many parts
In fact, it has been a historically Christian understanding to work toward the common good of society and especially advocate for the most vulnerable in a community. The Reformation in many parts
of Europe had a robust "welfare" and taxation system that ensured that the infrastructural necessities were met and the most destitute had a safety net. Christians for millenia recognized taxation as a necessary means toward the common good.
In sum, can a Christian believe that
In sum, can a Christian believe that
taxation is theft? Sure, but at the same time they should treat such a conviction with the humble recognition that it is fairly new to the Christian tradition. It should not be treated as though it is the way that faithful Christians have always thought regarding taxation.
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