To close out this study, charge should be given to believers to thoroughly contemplate not only the ethical questions raised against these two tax systems, but also the biblical orientation regarding the following: the biblical view of wealth redistribution; the biblical mandate to pay taxes; the biblical view of freely giving and having the correct heart; and the biblical view of tithe. Professor Susan Pace Hamill of the Univ. of Alabama, during an interview with PBS, states that “The moral principles of Judeo-Christian ethics demands that our taxes raise a level of revenue embracing the reasonable opportunity for all in that the burden be allocated in a moderately progressive way”. Therefore, as this statement properly …show more content…
This is why Jesus while he was on earth, felt it necessary to address the topic a few times. Perhaps his most famous statement regarding taxation was his plea to his followers to “pay to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to the LORD which is the LORD’s”. Furthermore, Jesus often reflected on the fact that while on earth we have certain responsibilities to those put in place to govern society. Romans 13:5-7 incorporated this fact as well as the biblical mandate to pay taxes. It states, “Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also as a matter of conscience. This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants, who give their full time to governing. Give to everyone what you owe them: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respects; if honor, then honor”. In summary, God has placed certain authorities in place and has charges us as followers of him to show them respect and to submit. We as believers should be submissive to the authority over us and pay our taxes regardless of which system it might be and if we agree with …show more content…
A progressive system correctly aligns with the biblical view, taking care of those in need. If Christians are mandated to pay taxes, it seems that a progressive system would tend to better fulfill the manifestation of how the less fortunate are to have their basic needs met.
Conclusion
The purpose of this study was to dissect the ethical considerations and implications of imposing a flat tax verses a progressive tax. It evaluated the stakeholders involved and how each system effects those identified. An analysis was made against how these systems align to the ethical theories of Universalism and Rawls’ theory of distributive justice and they were put through a few ethical tests. Finally, an analysis was made of how each lines up with biblical mandates for believers. In the end, I believe that all evidence proposed shows that a progressive system is far better than that of a flat