Redistribution of Wealth

[JM]

Does the redistribution of wealth break the 10th commandment?

COVET, v.t. 1. To desire or wish for, with eagerness; to desire earnestly to obtain or possess; in a good sense.
Covet earnestly the best gifts. 1 Corinthians 12.2. To desire inordinately; to desire that which it is unlawful to obtain or possess; in a bad sense.
Thou shalt not covet thy neighbors house, wife or servant. Exodus 20.

 

[Epiphoskei]

Not intrinsically, but the motive underlying it usually does.

 

[JM]

Is paying tax on income the taking of your "first fruits" by the government?

 

[WOMSteve]

Nope. Even Jesus said to give unto Ceasar what is Ceasar's meaning we must pay our taxes in order to obey the law. Giving 10% of our "first fruits" means tithing on our gross pay not the net after taxes. God is to get His off the top. Taxes are to be paid as well. These are my interpretations of the scripture.

 

[JM]

So, the money you make belongs to Ceasar? Why not "render" all your wealth to Ceasar then?

Using the Power of Civil Government to Steal

 

[Epiphoskei]

Nope. Even Jesus said to give unto Ceasar what is Ceasar's meaning we must pay our taxes in order to obey the law. Giving 10% of our "first fruits" means tithing on our gross pay not the net after taxes. God is to get His off the top. Taxes are to be paid as well. These are my interpretations of the scripture.

There are two issues here: must you pay taxes, and are taxes, particularly modern taxes, moral. The answer to the first does not necessarily determine the answer to the second.