While checking Facebook the other day I saw a post that was arguing against tax hikes for the wealthiest group of Americans. The argument was that, since this group is already accounting for 59% of all tax revenue they are already paying a fair share. What wasn't included in the argument was the fact that this group controls about 95% of the wealth. I commented that we are arguing about the wrong issue.
As a nation that claims to be mostly Christian, I find it hypocritical that the wealthy resist efforts to help those less fortunate when those efforts are made through legislation. In conversation with others it became clear that their issue, a political one, was whether something like generosity should be compulsory, that is, something legislated as in a tax code.
Even though there are multiple issues here, I would argue that central to them is the Christian understanding of generosity. It seems to me that if one claims to be Christian one is saying their life is being lived in a way that reflects the Christian ethos. And the Christian ethos makes it clear that generosity is imperative. That is, you cannot be Christian and ungenerous. But is generosity compulsory?
I think we'd all like to believe that generosity shouldn't need to be "required, mandatory, obligatory, required by law or a rule." But, remembering John Wesley's belief that "we are all moving on to perfection" is it too much of a stretch to recognize that generosity is not always something that happens naturally?
For example, a sign company was hired to create signage for a local non-profit. The non-profit paid in advance for the work to be done. Now, one might argue that that was not a good business decision on the part of the non-profit. But the non-profit took the Christian symbol on the sign company's business card (along with the Bible quotes on the back) as evidence the sign company was legitimate. It turns out they weren't. They did no work. They gave a false address and phone number. They simply took the money and ran.
Some would argue there ought to be a law against such behaviors and that is my point. While generosity is clearly an important aspect of Christian identity (see Galatians 5:22-23, Matthew 25:34-40 and Proverbs 22:9 for example) it doesn't mean that accountability isn't required while we move on to perfection.
We need rules and laws to help us grown in awareness of what it means to be fair and even-handed. Christian Tradition has always maintained the necessity of disciplined spiritual growth. Scripture is filled with examples of required, mandatory, obligatory behaviors that, I believe, are for good reason.
I'm tired of the current conversation about taxes, about who should pay what. Why isn't the conversation more like, "I've received so much and I want to give back in order to help others."? In the end it comes to what one of my friends said, "It's all about attitude." And I believe that a proper Christian attitude exhibits the fullness of generosity. Do we do that all the time? I know I don't. That's why I'm forever grateful for God's gift of grace, and I'm also grateful for the reminder that generosity is not an option. Compulsory? I think so. At least for now.
Hello Rev. Griffen,
ReplyDeleteThe generalization that this country considers itself Christian isn't one we can use when analyzing why the wealthy won't be more generous. In fact, it would be interesting to know how many of these wealthy individuals and entities are religious, let alone Christian. I come from a wealthy larger family; while wealth has not graced my immediate family's doorstep (as my parents opted for altruistic occupations), I have a unique look into the world of the wealthy.
Most of the wealthy people I know don't attend church. Of those who do, it isn't a regular thing, however they do tend to give large, irregular offerings to the churches they attend. They enjoy giving money to other institutions as well, such as education.
However, when it comes to taxes, they continue to believe that they pay too much. What does this say about them? One possible conclusion is that the wealthy are generous, but not with the federal government. My guess is that when one acquires enough wealth to "call the shots" in their life, one gives according to one's concerns.
Considering your main question, I would ask: In what way should the wealthy increase their generosity? For the wealthy who are Christians: What would be the most appropriate form for them to fulfill their obligation to their Christian identity? They are certainly in a unique position, and as such, might they also have unique responsibilities to their faith?
Thanks for you comments Lemuel. The sobering text in Mark 10:17-27 is one we could all reflect upon. I for one believe we Americans are "wealthy" in many ways when compared to the rest of the world. Generalizations are what they are. There will always be exceptions. But does that excuse us from the call to be generous? That's the question I'm really working on. The other question would be what the role of governing should be in terms of providing for the general welfare of the people. Thanks again!
ReplyDeleteThank you for posting! It is indeed a sad thing when one considers that so much more money and manpower is spent on national defense than defeating the problem of homelessness and poverty. I have always marveled at an inherent duality of American society: that a country as wealthy as this one seems incapable of providing the basics for its citizenry - food, water, clothing, and shelter - but remains a world leader in technological innovation and economic prosperity.
ReplyDeleteDuality is a quality inherent in generosity as well. It's selfish, or selfless. A selfish person gives in order to receive some benefit. A selfless person gives because there is a need, and the person acknowledges their part to play in easing that need. Mark 10:17-27 obviously calls for the selfless variant, but Jesus seemed to feel that this was near impossible for a rich person.
Yet there is room for the Spirit to work the hearts of the rich, according to the text. It has been one of my life's (and future ministry's) goals to serve the Lord in accomplishing these seemingly impossible tasks. I wish I knew how to begin, but I have no doubt that the way will be made clear to me in time, as it has so many times in the past.
Hi Pastor Ron!
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