Civil Government
Does your group have a religious exemption from paying taxes?
No, we pay property taxes, sales taxes, and income taxes just
like everybody else. It is against our religious beliefs to evade taxes. The Bible commands us to pay taxes (Romans 13:6-7).
Besides, since we use some of the facilities and services that
are supported by taxes, we think we ought to pay a share of them.
We don't deserve a free ride just because we have religious convictions.
Do you believe in separation of church and state?
Absolutely. It is not the business of our religion to control
the civil government, and it is not the business of the civil
government to control our religion. Whenever religion and politics
have mixed in history, those with minority beliefs were deprived
of their liberty, their property, and even their lives. We do
not, however, believe in the separation of conscience and state.
This is why we pray that those in authority would rule in accord
with "natural law" (their own knowledge of good and evil).
Do you obey the laws of the land?
The Word of God commands us to obey earthly authorities because
He established them to punish evil and praise those who do good.
Of course we obey such authorities.
See Romans 13:1-7.
Do you participate in local civic events?
Yes, whenever we have something to contribute, we do. This participation
has included laboring on local building projects, volunteer work
with the fire department and rescue squads, providing first aid
services and instruction, attendance at local government meetings,
etc.
Do you vote?
It is not our practice to vote or to seek public office. Although
we respect the people in democratic nations who are compelled
by their conscience to cast their vote on certain issues, our
Master Yahshua made it very clear that His kingdom is not of this
world (John 18:36). As members of His "royal priesthood and holy
nation" (1 Peter 2:9) we are called instead to pray for those
in positions of authority as it says in 1 Timothy 2:1-2. Since
our hope is not in this world or the governments of this world,
we avoid getting entangled in politics (2 Timothy 2:3-4).
Do you believe it is wrong to fight for your country?
No, it is not wrong for citizens to defend their homeland against
foreign invasion. But since we in the Community are disciples
of Yahshua, we have been called to demonstrate the life of the
age to come. In that age, "they will hammer their swords into
plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will not
lift up sword against nation, and never again will they learn
war"(Isaiah 2:4; Micah 4:3). For this reason, we do not study
or practice war now.
Our Master said to Peter when he took up the sword to defend
Him, "Stop, no more of this!" (Luke 22:51). He also told Pilate
at His trial, "My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom
were of this world, then My servants would be fighting, that I
might not be delivered up to the Jews; but as it is, My kingdom
is not of this realm"(John 18:36). We take these passages as a
clear indication that we as disciples are not to fight in the
wars of this world or use the weapons of this world.
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