Topical Bible: Religion: National: Supported by Taxes

◄ Religion: National: Supported by Taxes ►

Jump to: Nave's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

The concept of a national religion supported by taxes involves the establishment of a state-endorsed faith that receives financial backing through public taxation. This idea has historical roots and is reflected in various biblical narratives and principles, particularly in the context of ancient Israel and its theocratic governance.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, the nation of Israel was established as a theocracy, where religious and civil laws were intertwined. The Levites, who were set apart for religious duties, were supported by the tithes and offerings of the people. Numbers 18:21 states, "Behold, I have given the Levites all the tithes in Israel as an inheritance in return for the work they do—the work of the Tent of Meeting." This system ensured that the religious leaders were maintained through the contributions of the entire nation, effectively functioning as a form of religious tax.

The temple tax, as described in Exodus 30:13-16 , was another example of a national religious tax. Every Israelite was required to pay a half-shekel as an offering to the Lord, which was used for the service of the Tent of Meeting. This tax was a means of supporting the religious infrastructure and ensuring the continuation of worship and sacrifices.

New Testament Insights

In the New Testament, the relationship between religion and state becomes more complex with the advent of the Roman Empire. Jesus' teaching in Matthew 22:21 , "Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's," highlights the distinction between civic duties and religious obligations. While this statement does not directly address the issue of a state-supported religion, it acknowledges the coexistence of secular and sacred responsibilities.

The early Christian church, as depicted in the Acts of the Apostles, operated independently of state support. The believers shared their resources voluntarily (Acts 2:44-45), and there is no indication of a formalized tax system to support the church. This reflects a shift from the Old Testament model, as the early church was not a national entity but a spiritual community.

Historical and Theological Considerations

Throughout history, various nations have adopted state-supported religions, often using tax revenues to fund religious institutions and clergy. This practice has been both supported and criticized within Christian thought. Proponents argue that it ensures the moral and spiritual guidance of a nation, while opponents caution against the potential for corruption and the infringement on religious freedom.

Theologically, the idea of a national religion supported by taxes raises questions about the role of government in spiritual matters and the autonomy of the church. The principle of separation of church and state, while not explicitly biblical, is often invoked to argue against state-supported religion, emphasizing the need for the church to remain free from governmental control and influence.

In summary, the concept of a national religion supported by taxes finds its roots in the biblical narrative of Israel's theocracy but evolves in the New Testament context. The historical application of this concept has varied, reflecting differing interpretations of the relationship between church and state.

Nave's Topical Index

Exodus 30:11-16
And the LORD spoke to Moses, saying,
Nave's Topical Index

Exodus 38:26
A bekah for every man, that is, half a shekel, after the shekel of the sanctuary, for every one that went to be numbered, from twenty years old and upward, for six hundred thousand and three thousand and five hundred and fifty men.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Disestablishment
... The state supported these troops, for, in the wrangle over ... the speedy reduction of
the national expenses, and ... 1816, for the Support of Literature and Religion. ...
/.../chapter xv disestablishment.htm

The Golden Age, 1572-1603.
... the purpose of drawing up a National Protestant Bohemian ... you in the exercise of your
religion; and I ... and Prerau, they had free schools supported by Protestant ...
/.../hutton/history of the moravian church/chapter xii the golden age.htm

Certificate Laws and Western Land Bills
... universal love and harmony is to be supported and promoted ... violent flame, it is a
new way of promoting religion. ... that was still due from the national government ...
/.../chapter xiii certificate laws and.htm

The Christian State
... and nations are united in a common religion that there ... laws because they are not
strongly supported by that ... The outlook for any true national greatness must ...
/.../sell/studies in the life of the christian/study xiii the christian state.htm

Causes of the Reformation
... development of the internal spirit of religion as distinct ... with great pertinacity
to their own national laws and customs; but the princes, supported by the ...
/.../chapter i causes of the.htm

Significance of Compulsory Service.
... the resulting increase of taxes and national debts, are ... handed down by education
and supported by religious ... and should have neither religion, culture, education ...
/.../the kingdom of god is within you/chapter vii significance of compulsory.htm

Jeroboam
... police, and they should, therefore, be supported and encouraged ... As to the form religion
assumed, he was not ... swiftly glided down into idolatry and national ruin ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/milligan/men of the bible some lesser-known/jeroboam.htm

The Abrogation of the Saybrook Platform
... the form of religion to be supported, and not ... changes were creeping into man's
conception of religion. ... no regular establishment of any national or provincial ...
/.../chapter xi the abrogation of.htm

The Religious Revolution
... of organised Christian bodies, completely national in character ... averse to giving
the new religion a fair ... Frankfurt, Rostock, and Marburg supported strongly the ...
/.../chapter ii the religious revolution.htm

Doctrine of Non-Resistance to Evil by Force must Inevitably be ...
... forms of violence continue and are supported by the ... countries where there is a state
religion, they teach ... taken from the people, of national fetes, spectacles ...
/.../the kingdom of god is within you/chapter viii doctrine of non-resistance.htm