DOCSLIB.ORG

Tithing Series #1 Urban Economics of Jesus’ Time

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Tithing Series #1 Urban Economics of Jesus’ Time Wealth & Income— The Biblical Truth About Tithes and Offerings Transcript Book By Fred R. Coulter 2014 Fred R. Coulter Christian Biblical Church of God P. O. Box 1442 Hollister, California 95024-1442 All rights reserved. Except for brief excerpts for review purposes, no part of this publication may be reproduced or used in any form or by any means without the written permission of the copyright owner. This includes electronic and mechanical photocopying or recording, as well as the use of information storage and retrieval systems. Contents Booklet PAGE Urban Economics of Jesus’ Time ------------------------------------------------------- 1 – 13 Economics and Tithing in the New Testament --------------------------------------- 14 – 25 Paul, Corinthians and Tithing ----------------------------------------------------------- 26 – 35 God Gives You Power to Get Wealth -------------------------------------------------- 37 – 49 Tithing Principles in the Bible I --------------------------------------------------------- 50 – 59 Tithing Principles in the Bible II -------------------------------------------------------- 60– 70 Tithing Principles in the Bible III ------------------------------------------------------- 71 – 59 Wealth and Debt—God’s Way vs Man’s Way --------------------------------------- 83 – 94 Compact Disc [When included] Tracks 1 & 2 Urban Economics of Jesus’ Time Tracks 3 & 4 Economics and Tithing in the New Testament Tracks 5 & 6 Paul, Corinthians and Tithing Tracks 7 & 8 God Gives You Power to Get Wealth Tracks 9 & 10 Tithing Principles in the Bible I Tracks 11 & 12 Tithing Principles in the Bible II Tracks 13 & 14 Tithing Principles in the Bible III Tracks 15 & 16 Wealth and Debt—God’s Way vs. Mans Way Wealth & Income— The Biblical Truth About Tithes and Offerings Foreword The biblical truth concerning wealth income and tithes and offerings to God, is presented in this transcript book in a series of eight sermons covering this subject from God’s word in the Old and New Testaments. Through the years many churches and denominations have not understood this biblical truth. As a result, many churches merchandise their followers, by constantly begging for money, and extra offerings for special projects. This is especially true in the age in which we are living. So everyone needs to know the true biblical teachings in order that they can obey God in every aspect of their lives in an attitude of love and service. God is the One Who has created everything, and every human being does not have anything that he or she did not receive from God. In worshiping God in spirit and in truth, we need to recognize this fundamental truth. Since God is Creator of everything that there is, He requires that we acknowledge truth in our worship of Him. God the Father and Jesus Christ, desire our loving obedience in everything that They ask of us, which is also fully demonstrated by our giving of tithes and offerings from the heart. This book covers the basic biblical truth concerning what Jesus said, “Render then the things of Caesar to Caesar, and the things of God to God” (Matt. 22:21). Please note: the sermons collated into this book were selected from sermons that were given over several years. As a result, though each lesson is different, a number of basic scriptures are repeated. However, they are approached in each case from a little different perspective. We all know that the best way to learn is through repetition. This is why God has blessed us with His Sabbath and Holy Days every year. We sincerely hope that this transcript book and recorded sermons will help you understand the biblical teachings of wealth, income and tithes and offerings in the Bible. A special thanks goes to Bonnie Orswell, Laila Patterson and Nancy Spaller for producing the transcripts. Tithing Series #1 Urban Economics of Jesus’ Time Urban Economics of Jesus’ Time Fred R. Coulter We’re going to have a new look at the time savior of the city too, not just the rural and life of Jesus Christ from an economic point of redeemer. view, and also from an urban point of view. There’s The city not only edged dramatically into an interesting book, which is really fantastic, called Jesus’ life and ministry, but subsequently Jesus and the Forgotten City—New Light on became central to the future expansion of Sepphoris and the Urban World of Jesus by Richard Christianity. It was from such A. Batey. I’m going to give some quotes out of here. metropolitans as Antioch, Alexandria, Why this is so significant is because this city was Ephesus, Athens, Corinth and Rome that only four miles from Nazareth where Jesus grew up. the faith was carried into the countryside, This city, as we will see, was a major city. where the rural sorts—the pagani (whence In fact, it was the capital city of Herod Antipas, so it the term “pagan”)—were the last to had a major impact on everything. We’re going to convert. Thus, Christianity, which began in learn some things concerning finances, economy, hamlets like Bethlehem and Nazareth in the some of the parables that Jesus gave and how they person of Jesus, finally came full circle relate to the things and even to the city of Sepphoris. through the mediation of urban culture. The city of Sepphoris has been all covered No armchair authority, Dr. Batey is an over and they have a major archeological dig there; archeologist who has dug at Sepphoris for they have been digging for well over ten years. The years, a New Testament scholar who can things that they have discovered are just absolutely wield the pen as a well as a spade. His amazing. extensive use of the present tense at crucial points in this book is purely intentional: the from the Foreword: Jesus and the device brings the drama and color of the Forgotten City times quivering to life, whether describing Dr. Batey shows how the Sepphoris dig the Battle of Actium that delivered the also sheds new light on the kind of Roman Empire to Augustus or the carpentry Jesus and His foster-father agonizing solemnities of the crucifixion at Joseph pursued in Nazareth; on Jesus’ use Golgotha…. of terminology from the world of the This is really quite astounding; I enjoyed reading the theater in his discourses, possibly learned book. If you have A Harmony of the Gospels you at the large Greco-Roman theater can study through the area about the birth of Jesus, excavated at Sepphoris; and on how the and look at the timeframe where we have Jesus born realities of urban political life, particularly in the fall of 5B.C. the role of the kingship, intrude into Jesus’ parables, a probable mirror of doings at the We know that Herod died in 4B.C., so this court of Herod Antipas. gives us great historical background to it, because The economy of first-century Galilee, its what happened after Herod the Great died has a politics, its fiscal and taxation system, its great impact on how the Gospel was preached later geography, climate, commerce, highways, when Jesus began His ministry following the announcement of John the Baptist. and many other fascinating facets that must have impinged on Jesus come into sharper pg 52—The Division of Herod’s Kingdom: focus in this book. Small wonder that he peopled his discourses with government Following the death of Herod the Great, officials, merchants, wealthy landowners His kingdom was divided, as stipulated in and tax collectors… his final will among three of his sons. Antipas inherits Galilee and Peraea and Who were publicans. Whenever we read of tax receives the title of “tetrarch,” signifying collectors we’re talking about publicans, the ruler of one-fourth of a kingdom. …not just farmers, fishermen, and Archelaus, the oldest brother of Antipas, shepherds. The new portrayal of Jesus becomes ruler of Judea and Samaria, emerging from these pages does not receiving the more important title of discard the familiar pastoral background so “ethnarch,” meaning “ruler of a nation.” typical in the Gospels, but in adding a Philip, Herod’s son by his wife Cleopatra critical “urban edge” to that panorama, of Jerusalem, becomes tetrarch of the Jesus becomes even more realistic—the territories northeast of the Sea of Galilee. 111601 1 Tithing Series #1 Urban Economics of Jesus’ Time which then is Decapolis or the Ten Cities survey the landscape. To the north the broad and rich Bet Netofa Valley is green Before his sons assumed power, Augustus from the spring rains. The valley stretches has to ratify Herod’s will. Antipas is from the Mediterranean Sea toward the sixteen years old, Archelaus eighteen when Jordan Rift and the Sea of Galilee. in May 4B.C. they sail on separate ships Verdant forests cover the surrounding from Caesarea to Rome. Each is hills. accompanied by royal family members and a legal council. Antipas and Archelaus both Today they’re all barren! had received their education in Rome. In Mount Carmel eighteen miles to the west fact, when Antipas arrives back in Rome in juts into the Mediterranean. The high ridge mid-summer, he has been gone from Rome to the south hides from view the village of about six months. Lawyers representing Nazareth nestled around its pleasant spring. Antipas and Archelaus contest Herod’s will in the imperial court until early fall. Then The city plan, laid out on Roman grid Philip arrives with his own delegation. pattern adjusted to the contours of the land, After the summations are eloquently has all those constructions typical of the presented to Augustus, he makes the splendid Roman provincial capital—a main decision to honor Herod’s last will virtually east-west street leading to the forum, as written. Antipas’ royal residence with an imposing tower that offers a breathtaking panorama, So, they inherit those kingdoms.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • GENERAL HANDBOOK Serving in the Church of Jesus Christ Jesus of Church Serving in The
    GENERAL HANDBOOK: SERVING IN THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS • JULY 2020 2020 SAINTS • JULY GENERAL HANDBOOK: SERVING IN THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST LATTER-DAY GENERAL HANDBOOK Serving in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints JULY 2020 JULY 2020 General Handbook: Serving in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Published by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Salt Lake City, Utah © 2020 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved. Version: 7/20 PD60010241 000 Printed in the United States of America Contents 0. Introductory Overview . xiv 0.0. Introduction . xiv 0.1. This Handbook . .xiv 0.2. Adaptation and Optional Resources . .xiv 0.3. Updates . xv 0.4. Questions about Instructions . xv 0.5. Terminology . .xv 0.6. Contacting Church Headquarters or the Area Office . xv Doctrinal Foundation 1. God’s Plan and Your Role in the Work of Salvation and Exaltation . .1 1.0. Introduction . 1 1.1. God’s Plan of Happiness . .2 1.2. The Work of Salvation and Exaltation . 2 1.3. The Purpose of the Church . .4 1.4. Your Role in God’s Work . .5 2. Supporting Individuals and Families in the Work of Salvation and Exaltation . .6 2.0. Introduction . 6 2.1. The Role of the Family in God’s Plan . .6 2.2. The Work of Salvation and Exaltation in the Home . 9 2.3. The Relationship between the Home and the Church . 11 3. Priesthood Principles . 13 3.0. Introduction . 13 3.1. Restoration of the Priesthood .
    [Show full text]
  • The Development of Municipal Government in the Territory of Utah
    Brigham Young University BYU ScholarsArchive Theses and Dissertations 1972 The Development of Municipal Government in the Territory of Utah Alvin Charles Koritz Brigham Young University - Provo Follow this and additional works at: https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/etd Part of the Mormon Studies Commons, and the Political Science Commons BYU ScholarsArchive Citation Koritz, Alvin Charles, "The Development of Municipal Government in the Territory of Utah" (1972). Theses and Dissertations. 4856. https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/etd/4856 This Thesis is brought to you for free and open access by BYU ScholarsArchive. It has been accepted for inclusion in Theses and Dissertations by an authorized administrator of BYU ScholarsArchive. For more information, please contact [email protected], [email protected]. Brigham Young University BYU ScholarsArchive All Theses and Dissertations 1972 The evelopmeD nt of Municipal Government in the Territory of Utah Alvin Charles Koritz Brigham Young University - Provo Follow this and additional works at: http://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/etd Part of the Mormon Studies Commons, and the Political Science Commons BYU ScholarsArchive Citation Koritz, Alvin Charles, "The eD velopment of Municipal Government in the Territory of Utah" (1972). All Theses and Dissertations. 4856. http://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/etd/4856 This Thesis is brought to you for free and open access by BYU ScholarsArchive. It has been accepted for inclusion in All Theses and Dissertations by an authorized administrator of BYU ScholarsArchive. For more information, please contact [email protected]. THE DEVELOPMENT OF MUNICIPAL GOVERNMENT IN THE TERRITORY OF UTAH A Thesis Presented to the Department of Political Science Brigham Young University In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree Master of Arts by Alvin Charles Koritz August 1972 ACKNOWLEDGMENTS The author sincerely wishes to acknowledge the assistance and encouragement given to him by the following people: Dr.
    [Show full text]
  • The History of Policing 97
    THE HISTORY 4 OF POLICING distribute or post, copy, not Do Copyright ©2015 by SAGE Publications, Inc. This work may not be reproduced or distributed in any form or by any means without express written permission of the publisher. “The myth of the unchanging police “You never can tell what a man is able dominates much of our thinking about to do, but even though I recommend the American police. In both popular ten, and nine of them may disappoint discourse and academic scholarship one me and fail, the tenth one may surprise continually encounters references to the me. That percentage is good enough for ‘tradition-bound’ police who are resistant me, because it is in developing people to change. Nothing could be further from that we make real progress in our own the truth. The history of the American society.” police over the past one hundred years is —August Vollmer (n.d.) a story of drastic, if not radical change.” —Samuel Walker (1977) distribute INTRODUCTION: POLICING LEARNING OBJECTIVES or After finishing this chapter, you should be able to: AS A DYNAMIC ENTITY Policing as we know it today is relatively new. 4.1 Summarize the influence of early The notion of a professional uniformed police officer English policing on policing and the receiving specialized training on the law, weapon use, increasing professionalization of policing and self-defense is taken for granted. In fact, polic- in the United States over time. post,ing has evolved from a system in which officers ini- tially were appointed by friends, given no training, 4.2 Identify how the nature of policing in the provided power to arrest without warrants, engaged United States has changed over time.
    [Show full text]
  • Answer in Full Sentences Title: William's Government Changes
    Title: William’s government changes Who was Lanfranc? (1 Describe two changes of What was forfeiture? (1 point) the feudal system (2 point) points) What was demesne? (2 How did William change What was knight points) life in Norman England? service? (1 point) (3 points, 1 per change) What was homage? (1 How did William reduce How did William point) the role of the earls? (2 Normanise the church? points) (3 points) How many points can you get? Answer in full sentences Title: How did William use the government to increase his own power? How does the Rule of law, role of the individual government liberty compare today? Learning Objectives -Describe the changes William made to the government. -Explain why William reduced the role of the Earls and used regents. -Assess the importance of the office of the sheriff and the demesne. Granted land and tax concessions William I Provided peace, law, protection in Knight service according to set quote return for loyalty and service Tax (and reliefs) Justice (baronial courts) Tenants-in-chief (Lords, bishops and abbots) Granted land and other privileges Military service in return for land Tax (and reliefs) Under-tenants Justice (manorial courts) (Vassals) Land service (farming on vassal’s Provided land to be worked land)/ Rent Peasants (Some free men, but the majority were bound to one lord) Key terms: King (William I), Vassals, under-tenants, tenants-in-chief, peasants, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=txA48AcJNmg&t=288s granted land, knight service, military service, land service, tax, justice https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EUzRNp7OucQ Learning Objectives -Describe the changes William made to the government.
    [Show full text]
  • If You Have Issues Viewing Or Accessing This File Contact Us at NCJRS.Gov
    If you have issues viewing or accessing this file contact us at NCJRS.gov. A HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE OF POLICE DEVELOPMENT IN AMERICA By Ed\vard Toporek Gilbert H. Bruns ARIZONA STATE UNIVERSITY OFFICE OF THE COORDINATOR Grant # 74-CD-99-0003 i '. .... 1 A Historical Perspective of Police Development in America I. Introduction Today the performance and effeci;.iveness of the Ameri- can law enforcement establishment is being examined by various experts, scholars, and social scientists. Their comments range across a wide spectrum of opinion, from the favorable to the condemnatory. Almost all admit that the present system has its inadequacies. However, there is considerable disagreement about the natur!;'. and serious- ness of those imperfections. Some regard them as near- fatal deficiences, the inevitable result of a structurally flawed organization; others regar? them as minor short­ comings which could be remedied rather simply; still others concede that there are some rather serious problems, but they consider many of the proposed solutions to be more harmful to the American way of life than the problems themselves. Although the numerous critics differ in their assessments of and solutions to existing problems, there is one point on Which most of them agree: that there is ex- tensive fragmentation, proliferation, and multi-layering of police jurisdictions existing in the United States. There is additional agreement mnong many of them that this is an undesirable feature which is partially responsible for many of the problems in law enforcement presently en- countered in America. Some of the critics contend that centralization of police activities would not only resolve ..
    [Show full text]
  • Theology & Practice of Tithe, Offerings & Stewardship
    Chervonenko 1 STEWARDSHIP IN THE CHURCH: THE THEOLOGY AND PRACTICE OF TITHING, OFFERINGS, AND STEWARDSHIP IN EVANGELICAL CHURCHES OF RUSSIA by Sergey Chervonenko Many pastors and church leaders in Russia are doing ministry without any payment from their church. Even with a degree in Christian ministry, the person is often not serving in a church full-time, but rather prefers to have a job outside the church. Churches in Russia are struggling financially, and they do not have the necessary number of ministers. The purpose of the dissertation is to explore the main beliefs and practices about tithing, offerings, and stewardship in churches of Russia. There are very few resources in Russia about stewardship in Russian contexts; most of these resources are translated from another language and background. Therefore, this dissertation has been focused of the current situation with stewardship in churches of Russia. The chosen group of churches is Evangelical churches that include denominations Baptists, Pentecostals, and Evangelical Christians. The main group of participants were bishops, pastors, deacons, lay leaders—people who have an impact on a congregation. Also, a group of Christian businessmen participated because they are know how money works in the business world and can compare it with church stewardship. Churches in Russia have a “theology of nongiving.” The main findings have been done: (1) wrong understanding of ownership; (2) wrong understanding of tithes and offerings; (3) holy poverty and prosperity gospel beliefs; and (4) bad
    [Show full text]
  • Tithing: a Biblical Principle for the Sustenance of Pastor of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Liberia
    Concordia Seminary - Saint Louis Scholarly Resources from Concordia Seminary Master of Art Theology Thesis Concordia Seminary Scholarship 8-1-2016 Tithing: A Biblical Principle for the Sustenance of Pastor of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Liberia Simon Dapaye Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, [email protected] Follow this and additional works at: https://scholar.csl.edu/ma_th Part of the Religious Thought, Theology and Philosophy of Religion Commons Recommended Citation Dapaye, Simon, "Tithing: A Biblical Principle for the Sustenance of Pastor of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Liberia" (2016). Master of Art Theology Thesis. 84. https://scholar.csl.edu/ma_th/84 This Thesis is brought to you for free and open access by the Concordia Seminary Scholarship at Scholarly Resources from Concordia Seminary. It has been accepted for inclusion in Master of Art Theology Thesis by an authorized administrator of Scholarly Resources from Concordia Seminary. For more information, please contact [email protected]. TITHING: A BIBLICAL PRINCIPLE FOR THE SUSTENANCE OF PASTOR OF THE EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH OF LIBERIA. A Thesis Presented to the Faculty of Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, Department of Exegetical Theology In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Master of Arts By Simon Tenyen Dapaye August 2016 Approved by Dr. Jeffrey Kloha Advisor Dr. Andrew H. Bartelt Reader Dr. William W. Schumacher Reader © 2016 by Simon Tenyen Dapaye. All rights reserved. I dedicate this work of mine to the triune God: Father, Son and Holy Spirit who has been the author and finisher of my entire educational journey, without whom, I would not have made it thus far.
    [Show full text]
  • The 10% Flat Tax: Tithing and the Definition of Income
    THE 10% FLAT TAX: TITHING AND THE DEFINITION OF INCOME GORDON B. DAHL and MICHAEL R RANSOM∗ Developing a fair and widely accepted income definition presents one of the great- est challenges to tax reform. To arrive at a definition separate from the federal tax code, we surveyed 1200 Latter-day Saints about their practice of tithing. Tithing is similar to a flat tax with no deductions, where individuals voluntarily contribute 10% of self-defined income to the church. The results of our survey indicate that most respondents operate on a cash realization basis, which excludes savings and does not allow any deductions. Respondents’ income concepts generally do not coincide with current tax laws or economists’ views of comprehensive income. (JEL H24, Z12) We recommend the passage of [the income tax] that an income concept exists that is gener- in the confident belief that . [it] will meet with ally agreed on as fair and that can meaning- as much general satisfaction as any tax law. ...All good citizens, it is therefore believed, will willingly fully be applied to individual taxation. But do and cheerfully support and sustain this, the fairest ordinary people agree on what constitutes a and cheapest of all taxes. fair definition of income? And, if so, does the —Committee Report on the Act Authorizing income concept match up with either the cur- the Income Tax, U.S. House of Representatives, October 3, 1913 rent tax code or economists’ views of com- prehensive income? How individuals believe income should be I. INTRODUCTION defined matters for any major reform of the Much of the discussion on individual U.S.
    [Show full text]
  • Employee Handbook
    SOUTHERN ADVENTIST UNIVERSITY EMPLOYEE HANDBOOK 2020-2021 Edition SOUTHERN ADVENTIST UNIVERSITY EMPLOYEE HANDBOOK RECEIPT I have received, or have access, to a copy of the Southern Adventist University Employee Handbook and recognize that it is my responsibility to read and understand its contents, specifically including the statements in the forward describing the purpose and effect of the handbook. I understand that Southern Adventist University is an “at will” employer, as established under Tennessee State law, and as such employment with Southern Adventist University is not for a fixed term or definite period and may be terminated at the will of either party, with or without cause, and without prior notice. In addition, I understand that this handbook states Southern Adventist University’s policies and practices in effect on the date of publication. I understand that nothing contained in the handbook may be construed as creating a promise of future benefits or a binding contract with Southern Adventist University for benefits or for any other purpose. I also understand that these policies and procedures are continually evaluated and may be amended, modified or terminated at any time. Please print out this Employee Handbook receipt if necessary or remove the one in your printed book, sign and date it and return it to the Human Resources Department. ______________________________________ Print Name ______________________________________ Signature ______________________________________ Date SOUTHERN ADVENTIST UNIVERSITY EMPLOYEE HANDBOOK SECTION 1000 GENERAL POLICIES SECTION 2000 EMPLOYMENT POLICIES SECTION 3000 HOURLY EMPLOYEES SECTION 4000 SALARIED EMPLOYEES SECTION 5000 FACULTY EMPLOYEES SECTION 6000 RETIREMENT POLICIES SECTION 7000 CRISIS MANAGEMENT PLAN COMMUNICATION PLAN SECTION 8000 ORGANIZATIONAL CHART SECTION 9000 CHARTER AND BYLAWS HISTORY Southern Adventist University had its beginning in 1892 as a one-room church school in the town of Graysville, Tennessee.
    [Show full text]
  • Anglo – Saxon Society
    ABSTRACT This booklet will enable you to revise the key aspects of Paper 2 Anglo – Saxon England, some of which you may remember from year 9. After you have completed this booklet, there will be some more to revise Anglo – Saxon England before we move onto Norman England from 1066. Ms Marsh ANGLO – SAXON SOCIETY GCSE History Paper 2 How did Anglo – Saxon kings demonstrate their power? L.O: Explain key features of Anglo – Saxon kings 1. Which last Anglo – Saxon king ruled between 1042 - 1066? 2. Which people were the biggest threat to the Anglo – Saxons? 3. Who was at the top of Anglo – Saxon society? (Answers at the end of the booklet) Recap! The social hierarchy of Anglo – Saxon England meant that there were clear roles for everyone in society. The hierarchy was based on servitude – this meant that everyone had to do some sort of role to support the country. The king was the ultimate source of authority. This meant that all his decisions were final, partly due to the belief that God had chosen the king so any challenge to the king would be seen as a challenge to God. We call this belief anointed by God. Even though there were earldoms that were extremely powerful (see map below), most earls relied on the king to grant them their power and then maintain this power. Ultimately, the king could reduce the power of his earls or completely remove them. Edward the Confessor tried to do this in 1051, when he felt Earl Godwin had become too powerful – even though it ultimately failed, as Earl Godwin was allowed to regain his earldom, it demonstrates to us the huge power of the king.
    [Show full text]
  • The Varieties of Religious Autonomy
    Source: CHURCH AUTONOMY : A COMPARATIVE SURVEY (Gerhard Robbers, ed., Frankfurt am Main: Peter Lang, 2001). Topic(s): Religious autonomy Notes: Used with publisher’s permission. This book is available directly from the publisher at the following link: http://www.peterlang.com/Index.cfm?vID=36223&vLang=E . THE VARIETIES OF RELIGIOUS AUTONOMY PERRY DANE The organizers of this Conference have asked me to write a short paper about religious autonomy in the United States, with special reference to the Jewish case. “Religious autonomy” is a potentially expansive phrase. I want to define it narrowly, though, as one subset of the larger domain of concerns in the encounter of religion and state. Roughly speaking, I understand the legal problem of religious autonomy to refer to the effort by secular law to make sense of religious self-governance, particularly institutional or communal self-governance. In the United States, contexts in which religious autonomy is at issue include classic disputes over church property and personnel, in which secular courts have to gauge their deference to organs of governance within the religious community. 1 They also include more recently developing questions over the extent to which regulatory regimes such as labor law, 2 civil rights law, 3 and even 1 See, e.g., Serbian E. Orthodox Diocese v. Milivojevich, 426 U.S. 696, 718 (1976) (forbidding “detailed review” of internal church decision to remove a bishop); Kreshik v. Saint Nicholas Cathedral of The Russian Orthodox Church of North America, 344 U.S. 94 (1952) (striking down state’s effort to override hierarchal church’s ecclesiastical determination of rights to church property).
    [Show full text]
  • Mormon Profit: Brigham Young, Tithing, and the Bureau of Internal Revenue
    Loyola University Chicago, School of Law LAW eCommons Faculty Publications & Other Works 2019 Mormon Profit: Brigham oung,Y Tithing, and the Bureau of Internal Revenue Samuel D. Brunson Follow this and additional works at: https://lawecommons.luc.edu/facpubs Part of the Tax Law Commons Mormon Profit: Brigham Young, Tithing, and the Bureau of Internal Revenue Samuel D. Brunson* Since the enactment of the modern federal income tax, churches have been exempt from taxation. But that exemption is neither necessary nor inevitable. In fact, at the end of the 1860s, the Bureau of Internal Revenue decided that tithing received by the Mormon church was taxable under the Civil War income tax. At the time, Mormons distrusted the federal government and the federal government, in turn, distrusted the Mormons. The question of taxation was a small part of a larger legal and existential battle between the Mormons and the government. This Article situates the question of the taxability of tithing in the broader legal and relational conflict. More important, it tells the story of how the income tax threatened to fundamentally change the Mormon church and how Mormon leaders reacted to that threat, both with increasingly sophisticated legal arguments and, in the event their legal argumentationfailed, with plans to take the tax law into account. CONTENTS IN TRO D U CTIO N ................................................................................................... 42 I. THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE FEDERAL INCOME TAX .......................................... 47 A . The Civil W ar Incom e Tax .......................................................................... 47 B. The Bureau of Internal Revenue ............................................................ 49 * Georgia Reithal Professor of Law, Loyola University Chicago School of Law. I am grateful for comments from David J.
    [Show full text]