Reply to Give to Caesar. Why? Better law and justice?

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[quote=GnosticChristianBishop][quote=Anonymous]I was always taught that "render unto Caesar" means that Christians are not exempted from following the law and paying taxes and all the other obligations of citizenship.

I've also heard it with a twist--once you accept the benefits of the secular government, you can't beg off your obligations by appealing to your religion.  Henry David Thoreau wrote: "If you use money which has the image of Caesar on it, and which he has made current and valuable, that is, if you are men of the State, and gladly enjoy the advantages of Caesar's government, then pay him back some of his own when he demands it; "Render therefore to Caesar that which is Caesar's and to God those things which are God's" – leaving them no wiser than before as to which was which; for they did not wish to know."

A Mennonite wrote: "My perception of this incident is that Jesus does not answer the question about the morality of paying taxes to Caesar, but that he throws it back on the people to decide. When the Jews produce a denarius at Jesus' request, they demonstrate that they are already doing business with Caesar on Caesar's terms. I read Jesus' statement, "Give to Caesar…" as meaning "Have you incurred a debt in regard to Caesar! Then you better pay it off." The Jews had already compromised themselves. Likewise for us: we may refuse to serve Caesar as soldiers and even try to resist paying for Caesar's army. But the fact is that by our lifestyles we've run up a debt with Caesar, who has felt constrained to defend the interests that support our lifestyles. Now he wants paid back, and it's a little late to say that we don't owe anything. We've already compromised ourselves. If we're going to play Caesar's games, then we should expect to have to pay for the pleasure of their enjoyment."

So, if you are willing to participate in the system, which provides many benefits to you (currency, roads, schools, military protection, etc.) then you must fulfill your legal obligations under that system.
[/quote]

Well put.

Indeed.

Not only in cash but also in accepting the better law that secular law is as compared to God's barbaric laws.

Regards
DL[/quote]

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