One of the great problems that is created by abdication by political leaders is that it unleashes forces it cannot control. When this starts to happen, the leaders (who have been grossly irresponsible) start lecturing the forces they have created on their duty to “be responsible.” That is, as they say, the icing on the …
Tax Cheats
When considering the subject of our duty to pay taxes, the Bible seems plain enough. But let’s consider the difference a few italics can make. “For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God’s ministers, attending continually upon this very thing. Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is …
Legalized Plunder
Here it is, in a nutshell. The state is either under authority or it is not. If the state is not under authority, it has no authority — only power. That means that prudence might dictate doing what they say, but conscience never could. So the only way conscience can direct the citizenry to obey …
A Cute Little Thing With Brown Eyes Named D516808
There are three basic approaches to religion that are possible. We may opt for escape, we may lust for power, or we may exercise dominion. HT: Gary North The first doesn’t want Christ to rule over us, but wants to evade the personal consequences of this decision. When Christ is not acknowledged as Lord, somebody …
Without Property Rights There Are No Human Rights
One of the complaints made against King George III in our Declaration of Independence was this one: “He has erected a multitude of new offices, and sent hither swarms of officers to harass our people, and eat out their substance.” Multitude of new offices. Swarms of officers. Harassment from the government. Eating out our substance. …
Meum and Tuum
So let’s come at this from another angle. We are talking about whether goverments can steal, and once that seemingly obvious point is settled, at what point their taking becomes pillage. And the brief answer is that it become indefensible when they can’t defend what they are doing from the Word of God. In City …
More on Government Thievery
The discussion about what constitutes governmental theft is most important — because an awful lot of it is going on these days, and an awful lot of Christians do not appear to have the principles straight on how to identify it. The Scriptures are clear — qualification to rule must include a hatred of covetousness. …
Ten Principles on Redistributive Taxation as Theft
Quite a discussion broke out over the questions surrounding taxation, theft and redistribution, and so I thought it would be good to set down some basic principles on the subject. This is to prevent the “guiding principle” from becoming a charge of theft for any tax I might find distasteful. 1. The point is not …
The Federal Government As Abusive Live-In Boyfriend in a Wifebeater
In an abusive relationship, the only thing that matters to the abuser is the present. And by the “present,” I mean the pressure that is being applied in the present, toward whatever ends the abuser currently desires. Greed and self-centered demand are completely oriented to the present. Out of the picture are promises and obligations …
Back Rubs Don’t Work With Heart Disease
The first thing to do is go here, and read through the post, particularly the transcript of the Q&A at the bottom. Tim Keller is at Covenant, and is asked a very good question about homosexuality. In the course of his answer, Keller says that there is no question about where Redeemer stands on the …