Arresting Speech

Arresting Speech
by Mark Anderson, Columnist

July 8, 2002

If there is one thing that the Christians are lacking today, it is any sort of leadership in the political arena. Politics is a taboo in most congregations. You would almost think that politics is a dirty word. Yet, God created the institution of government. Not only should we be involved in politics, but Christians have a Biblical mandate to be involved in politics. Government is not supposed to be secular.

With the demonization of capitalism, going non-profit has a very virtuous ring to it. But since when is it more righteous take donations, giving nothing in return, than it is for two people to engage in a mutually beneficial exchange? That is one reason why I have felt that taxation is not only wicked, but it also makes little sense. Think about it. When you work for pay, you are selling your labor. The employer is selling their money. You are buying money. The employer is buying your labor. So who is paying who? Understanding "Crusoe" economics helps one to conclude that nobody really profited in the exchange of money for labor. Trade is not a one-way street. If anybody should be taxed at all, it should be somebody receiving a gift, as that is truly an income.

It is obvious that Chapter 501 laws are designed to handcuff organizations that go "non-profit." As a non-profit entity, you are prohibited from engaging in political activism. That is for being merely tax exempt. However, the two major political parties, whose sole purpose is to engage in political activism, are not only tax exempt, but they receive millions in taxpayer subsidies. And many people favor taxpayer financed campaigns. Are Americans really this stupid?

I have always believed that you can't fight a political problem by being apolitical. That is like trying to change policy without changing politicians. And that is akin to trying to fix a flat tire without changing the tire. If a candidate is pro abortion, nobody has a greater responsibility to sound the trumpet and oppose that candidate than the shepherd leading a flock. If a candidate is a righteous man of God, nobody has a greater responsibility to support that candidate than the shepherd leading a flock.

Most ecclesiastical "leaders" are not leaders at all. They are very weak and very easily manipulated. It is them who are being led by politicians and government officials. It is time for churches to get out of the "non profit" scheme and go "for profit." There is nothing more virtuous and righteous about being non-profit. If we need anything, we need the flexibility to endorse and oppose candidates. ***

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Photo of the author courtesy of staff files