Tuesday, October 4, 2011

What About the Poor?

by Tom Wise

Lately, it has become fashionable to quote from the Scripture in order to make credible arguments for the redistribution of wealth or the forgiveness of general debt. In particular, we find Jesus being wielded with a more respectful hand than in former times (that is, about a year ago) so that his words taken out of context may be utilized to formulate a case against "the rich," "the bankers," "the greedy," and so forth. However, there are several ways in which such constructed aphorisms and diatribes are incorrect, if not demonic.

First, consider the source. When deciding whether any argument for or against the accumulation of wealth is, from a spiritual standpoint, valid, it is imperative that both sides agree to certain parameters. If not, there shall be no argument, only fighting. Therefore, who is slinging about sacred words for such purposes? If perception is of any value, these are the same malcontents who have for years denigrated religion, the Bible, faith, the family, the sanctity of life, and God Himself. Are they not atheists, idolaters, and apostates? But even assuming their opinions have some merit, can we say that our acceptance of any of their premises will result in their edification or, more pointedly, in their conversion to God? While hope springs eternal, the reality is that we’ve seen this before. These are the notorious who speak of righteousness but do not live righteously. It is worse than hypocrisy; it is wanton manipulation, and only the first step towards your destruction.

Second, there is the more important element known as basis. For Christianity, the reliance upon Jesus Christ as final authority is fraught with danger. Where it concerns the poor, there is evidence to this effect. For in Luke 6:20, it indeed reads, “Blessed be ye poor” but in Matthew 5:3, it says, “Blessed are the poor in spirit.” This discrepancy cannot be resolved but by deep hermeneutics and apologetics. Thus, by citing Christ, the picketers of wealth believe they have Christians cornered. However, this is only true if there is no clarification from a greater foundation. Luckily, there is. It is Torah, the root of all spiritual truth and the essence of Jesus Christ.

What does Torah say of the poor as it relates to social justice? In terms of individual conduct, we are commanded to care for the poor (Deuteronomy 15:11). But where it concerns judgment, the poor are of no greater value than the rich (Leviticus 19:15). Only righteousness matters. This is reflected by James in his demand that you not have faith in Christ with respect of persons. Pinpointing this, when Jesus spoke of “rendering to Caesar” (Matthew 22:15-22) he was not exhorting that men pay their taxes for the redistribution of wealth to the poor; he was actually making the observation that in terms of regarding the person of men (22:16) Caesar received his due respect by a form of idolatry. Caesar’s face and name on the currency meant no less than he fancied himself a god. Rendering tribute (the idol of the currency) was thus befitting a false god. But while God is worthy of all tribute, Torah commands that no graven image shall be made of Him. If therefore one renders to Caesar in taxation, one has done no duty to God, for it is not care for the poor which has been accomplished but only a form of idolatry to a false god. Furthermore, rendering to the state (Caesar) is not a direct charity for the poor, nor is there any guarantee that taxes paid ever reach the destination for which a man may intend or a government may promise (see: Social Security). In terms of Torah, this form of taxation is at best a tolerated evil.

It is not actually the place of the poor to demand redistribution of wealth. First, it changes nothing. The poor shall always be with us, and wealth distributed always coalesces back to those who have learned the art of creating value (or thievery). Second, it is coercive, whether through guilt or by government intervention. Charity is meant to be voluntary. In terms of Torah, the protestations of the poor against the rich are ignorant. Historically, it is worse, always leading to bloodshed and tyranny.

In sum, the best defense against spiritual manipulation, even from those with justifiable grievances, is Torah. Recall always that Christ in the wilderness chased off Satan by reciting verbatim three passages from Torah. If you can do likewise, the forces of evil will have no hold on you either.

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