The government has gone against the Bible’s principles in the policies it makes in to stimulate the economy, specifically in its pieces of legislation relating to business regulation and taxation. Nowadays, taxes are levied on people depending on the state they live in or the type of work that they do (Ken, 2019). The central and local governments impose taxes on payroll, sales, imports, and estates. For instance, the taxation system that is being used in the United States of America the taxation system is that which is progressive.
The Democrats have been calling lately for the introduction of legislation that a 5% tax cut on all millionaires and billionaires Americans. This position given by democrats has received some support from some Republicans including the Tea Party (Bahadur, 2020). This proportion that will be given on all incomes above a certain amount will help in subsidizing the measures that the government will take to ensure that job creation within the country (Bahadur, 2020). Most Republicans are expected to oppose this suggestion fronted by democrats. This is because over time, there has been an argument over the idea of those affluent citizen contributing to assist those who struggling in the economy. Democrats believe funding job creation will spark economic growth and jump-start the stagnant economy.
The Jews and Christians always follow the Bible’s guidance when dealing with these issues. The biblical teaching is clear about the issue of helping the poor as well. The Bible remains silent on the issue of taxing more from the rich and sharing it or distributing it to the poor. Referring to Hebrews 13: 16 over the Centuries the Bible has provided a way and principles that give an understanding of how the needy should be helped (Moskala, n.d.). The book of Leviticus states that the needy should be helped by being given the leftovers of the harvest (Wind, n.d.). Therefore, this prohibits the farmers from harvesting from the corners of their fields. This could be made available for needy people to access it and use for their food. Therefore, it is clear that people are required to freely give out in helping those whom are in need. Looking at the government taxing policies, it is evident that it a mandatory that everyone should be taxed. The bible teaching is that this should be done voluntary by those who will be moved in helping.
However, the majority who do not support the increment of the taxes have cited that there are hard economic conditions in the country. Most of the millionaires are those small-scale business people who are still struggling to grow. If the government goes ahead in imposing additional tax on them, this will be tantamount. It will discourage them from desiring a big business therefore they will avoid in investing in activities that will lead to future expansion. This will now reduce the ultimate goal of job creation. This proposal has created a heated debate on why should the government should support the idea of job creation at the expense of the few citizens who worked so hard to be where they are. Some even sacrificed a lot for their families so that they can live a comfortable life. Therefore, they suggest that this could discourage investment in the country.
Most of the government will tax the rich in order to benefit the poor. This taxing of the few rich will also take care in to support the welfare of the majority. According to 2 Thessalonians 3:10 the bible holds it that whoever does not work should not eat (Robert, 2018). It encourages that everyone should work hard in order to bring food to the table. Most of the people who are on welfare are those who are jobless on do not be engaged in any income generating activity. Therefore, they majorly depend on the state to take care of their up keep. The government through its welfare system feed million of the citizens where by the majority are those whom do not have any other dependent. Most of these population one will find that they well bodied people and of good health. They have decided not to take up any income-generating activity with reasons that it is either low paying or they lack skill required. Biblically, it is hold that whoever has not worked does not deserve to be given food.
The other way in which the government has over stepped on the Biblical principles is concerning the working days. In the Bible ill find that it calls for people to work for six days. When going through the government policies it has only provided that a worker should for work for five days a week (Ken, 2019). The bible teachings are that human beings should work for six days and rest on the seventh day or a sabbath. However, the government is not following such doctrines, especially when formulating the economic and financial policies.
References
Bahadur, J. K.C. (2020). Guiding principles of good tax policy: Is there an association between the principles of the income tax of Nepal and the principles of good tax policy suggested by AICPA?Pravaha, 25(1), 71–86. Web.
Ken Boa. (2019). Biblical economics & finance. Part 8-Theories Driving Economics Today. Ken Boa. Web.
Moskala, J. (n.d.). Are good deeds-well, good? Digital Commons @ Andrews University. Web.
Thurston, R. W (2018). The Thessalonians Debate Revisited. The Expository Times, 129(5), 201-209. Web.