Should the government Tax Churches to Pay for Universal Health Care?

 Should the government Tax Churches to Pay for Universal Health Care?

This question was asked of me by a concerned member who saw it proposed by a Christian friend.

Of course, very few preachers in the United States are going to jump onboard an idea like that. We all want to keep as much money as we can. Many churches operate in a cash flow crunch, budgeting every dime they receive every year. To add a tax would, in some cases, bankrupt them. This is not, in my opinion, an adequate answer to the question. I am certain it would not be an adequate answer to the money-hungry world, or to those leaning upon the government for their health care. 

My concern is not merely that I don’t like it, but it is unwise, unconstitutional, historically trending, and unbiblical.

It is unwise

Churches exist for a purpose other than the health of the nation’s people. Churches exist for the spiritual well-being of people. To burden churches with a duty that is not their own will distract the churches from their purpose and ultimately lead to the further damage of the spiritual condition of our country.

It is unconstitutional

“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.”

The United States Constitution forbids the government from interfering with church function. To place a tax upon churches affects both that church's establishment and its free exercise. 

It is a historical trend

Social Security effectively took from the American family, and from local churches, the responsibility and then the ability to care for its own. Some would argue that the government took upon itself that role because family and churches were not doing it well enough. Can you honestly say the government is doing it better? We are bankrupting our government with healthcare and other things government should not have its hands in so that now this conversation is taking place because the government has to find new sources to pay for what they now realize they cannot pay for and have never paid for well.

It is unbiblical

The whole concept of allowing churches to exist tax-exempt finds its roots in the Old Testament. The tribe of Levi was separated from the rest of the tribes to belong wholly to God. They were not to carry the same responsibilities as the other tribes in terms of government service, taxes, or other burdens. They were to be cared for through the sacrifices and offerings of the people. They were not given a lot, as the other tribes were. They were to be given property, cities, and other necessities throughout the communities they served.

I think one of the problems we have today is that some churches (should I rather say “religious organizations”?)have lost sight of their calling. They have developed elaborate denominational systems. They have built extravagant structures. They have created a perception of incredible wealth protected from government taxing, and providing for an even greater collection of wealth. We need to get back to local churches that know and care for their own congregations.

Marvin McKenzie

In the field