Render unto Caesar...in all cases?

[Bible Thumpin n Gun Totin]

I've heard preaching from this verse that claims this means that taxes must always be paid to whatever government you happen to be under.

I would say that this verse means to pay taxes in ALMOST all cases.

Here's the thorn that sticks in my Christian craw when a Christian says we must do so in all cases.

1940s Germany:
-You are standing outside the gas chamber. They need to buy gas to murder people. Bob from the government takes $5 out of your wallet as tax, buys a gas canister in front of you, and kills those people in front of you with the gas he just bought.

Are you complicit? You knew what would happen. Should you have "rendered unto Caesar" if Caesar is exercising powers outside of his jurisdiction? I would say we should "render to Caesar" property, but not life. Thoughts?

 

[canadyjd]

I've heard preaching from this verse that claims this means that taxes must always be paid to whatever government you happen to be under.

I would say that this verse means to pay taxes in ALMOST all cases.

Here's the thorn that sticks in my Christian craw when a Christian says we must do so in all cases.

1940s Germany:
-You are standing outside the gas chamber. They need to buy gas to murder people. Bob from the government takes $5 out of your wallet as tax, buys a gas canister in front of you, and kills those people in front of you with the gas he just bought.

Are you complicit? You knew what would happen. Should you have "rendered unto Caesar" if Caesar is exercising powers outside of his jurisdiction? I would say we should "render to Caesar" property, but not life. Thoughts?

Well, don’t violate your conscience. If you believe in your heart it’s wrong don’t do it.

Scripture is very clear, however. Christians are not to rebel against the government or engage in violent acts.

peace to you