Should a person of faith be able to...?

Question

As a Christian, I see my tax dollars spent on issues that I do not agree with for religious reasons. In the debate to change tax appropriations based on these beliefs, I'm told to keep my religion seperate from the government. We are told to not attempt to legislate morality.

If this is the case, shouldn't a religious person be able to opt their tax dollars out of the programs that are against our beliefs? If not, isn't this taxing a person of faith without giving them proper governmental representation? What's the difference between this and a concientious objector to a war?

More specifically, I'm not talking about not paying any tax. I'm talking about a simple box to check on the 1040. This would allow me to represent my morals. To say that I would like to opt out of funding X program due to my religiously held belief. I would also support any other religions right to opt out of any program they have religious opposition to.

Answer 1

Good questions!

However, the same argument could be posed by the SAME people who have the different religious ideogy that you oppose. For example a muslim living in America and paying taxes could be thinking "why do my tax dollars have to support christian-related issues".

I guess the answer lies in the politcal system, join it and try to get enough support to change what you don't like about it - of course no change is possible without a majority of people willing to vote for your point of view.

thanks

Answer 2

And that is PRECISELY why you should know who your government officials are and how to get in touch with them! If you're old enough to vote, then you should know who you're voting for and what their positions on the things you believe in are. (If you live in a democracy...) If not.. leave and LEGALLY become a member of one, if you're able.
In the U.S. you have government representation... the people that you should know about are: (a) your local alderman, or city council representative and the mayor -local level (b) state level, senators and representatives and Governor (c) federal level, again, senators and representatives- and president. And if you're a U.S. Citizen at least 18 years of age, register to vote and then...(drum roll please...) vote!
And a conscientious objector to war will not participate in actively killing otheirs, but will volunteer their lives for ther brothers and sistetrs in arms.

Answer 3

Hey man I feel you dude, just opt out and stop paying I did and when the IRS told me to pay plus interest they got it all. Go for it dude but you were warned.

Answer 4

I dont feel like paying for roads I don't drive on. I dont feel like paying for druggies to go into rehab. But I have to, simple truth.

edit;;

To olo0olo:

It is in the constitution, kthx.

Answer 5

It's a nice theory that has been consistently rejected by the courts.

Answer 6

By law Church and State to to remain seperate. So I hope you catch my dirft. It would be illegal for you to do that.

Answer 7

Give to a Caesar what is Caesar's and give to God what is God's.
-Matthew 22:21

And remember that our leaders have been appointed over us by God.

Answer 8

I think you should pray to GOD for your taxes back. If God wants you to have them ....He will see that you get them back. Don't hold your breath. God is on "W"'s side.

Answer 9

why do any of us pay taxes at all.. no law actually says you have to..

Answer 10

Very good point.

Organise a way to fight back, and do it.

I love your intrest, so please keep expressing your self, dont give up.