There are those who for centuries have carried out the mandate of Jesus to kill fellow human beings, at the risk of being killed themselves. Their commitment to conscientious objection, however, has not always kept them from paying taxes for military purposes. Now as the artificiality of the distinction between bearing arms and paying for others to bear them has become clear, what is the Christian and what is the corporate body of Christ’s followers called to do?
The issue is clouded for many by a mixed history, and our general reluctance to struggle with the elements of risk and obedience involved. Often the feeling expressed is who can really discern the will of the Lord in this matter? Most have affirmed the legitimacy of taxation by governments and the obligation of Christians to pay taxes for all purposes which do not conflict with Christian conscience. How then can we obey God and not pay?
Agonized by the contradictions of paying for war while praying for peace, some persons have chosen not to participate knowingly in war tax payments or have earnestly sought alternative ways of meeting their responsibilities as citizens. In an effort to give authenticity to their peace witness, they have refashioned their lives to reduce their complicity in war and to increase their participation in peacemaking. Some have reduced their income; others have increased their contributions to kingdom causes--all in an effort to fight the monster of militarism and attempt to be faithful in their Christian calling.
Few of us are as consistent in practicing our beliefs as we would like to be. Even on the personal level our ethical behavior is quite prudential. If we have family responsibilities, we are likely to check out the consequences of our proposed strategy before we act upon it. That is a commendable thing. Jesus said we ought to know the cost of our projected action.
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