Wayne_Flynt

Reform divides conservative Christians

By WAYNE FLYNT

Having read dozens, perhaps hundreds, of letters to the editor either extolling or opposing Gov. Bob Riley's reform package, I can pretty well sum them up. Many proponents admit they will pay higher taxes and are willing to do so because they have benefited in life from opportunities not available to others. Such writers often cite the resulting long-term improvements in education, especially for poorer children, and improved social services (foster children, prisons, mental health, State Troopers). Others emphasize the need for a better-trained labor force to compete in a new economic world order where many manufacturing jobs now found in Alabama will not exist for the next generation.

Opponents are less diverse. Repeatedly, letters against the reforms are rooted in material self-interest. The issue seems to define the author. It seems that life is all about who pays the lowest taxes and has the most money and possessions at the end. That argument I can certainly understand. I have long believed that most Americans are either "theistic materialists" (they believe in God but define reality in terms of the possessions) or "atheistic materialists" (they don't believe in God and define reality in terms of their possessions).

What is strange in this debate is the deepening division between conservative Christians. Many identify with the first set of arguments, and I count myself among their number. Our tax rate should not define us. The theology is as elemental as the words of Jesus. Don't be anxious about what you will eat or wear. God takes care of the sparrows and magnificently clothes the lilies of the field, which are here today and gone tomorrow. Don't worry about money. You brought nothing into this world, and you will carry nothing out of it.

How, then, has part of America's Bible Belt allowed itself to be defined by the refrain: "I refuse to pay more taxes" even if the tax system is unjust. Even if those who earn the most pay the smallest percentage of their income in taxes and those who earn the least pay the highest percentage. Even if a third of Alabama children under the age of 5 live in poverty. Even if half the children in public schools are eligible for free and reduced meals. Even if the poor pay sales taxes on milk for their babies while chicken and calf feed are exempt from taxes.

Meanwhile, the Christian Coalition tells us that tax reform is wrong because it taxes families. Private charity, John Giles insists, can solve the problems. The reality is that most families will not pay more. Families with an income of $40,000 or below will pay the same or less. How interesting that a coalition named in honor of Jesus defines its cause as low taxes. As long as it proclaims belief in inerrant scripture, could one of the leaders write an op-ed column citing the scriptural basis for this all-consuming theology? I have read the New Testament completely through, Matthew to Revelation, a number of times, and I don't remember running across Jesus saying anything about keeping taxes low as a principle for supporting families. He did, however, speak often about the family of God, how we are responsible for our brothers and sisters, especially for orphans and widows, the sick and imprisoned and the stranger in the land. Justice permeated his thought. Taxes hardly appear at all.

As for private Christian charities solving the problems we face, most churches presently have trouble paying staff salaries and providing adequate facilities. How will they provide for 600,000 Alabamians without health insurance or provide decent futures for counties losing manufacturing jobs? What's the plan for counties with child poverty rates above 40 percent? How does charity solve the problem of an inadequate skilled work force for 21st century jobs? How can public schools that educate more than 700,000 youngsters each year be made competitive with surrounding states? How can in-service teacher training and technology programs match those in surrounding states? How can at-risk 3- and 4-year-olds receive the intervention they need to prepare them for first grade?

The Christian Coalition did not support the lottery, does not support Gov. Riley's plan, and its churches refuse to give voluntary charitable contributions to local schools in lieu of property taxes they are not required to pay. Isn't it about time Alabama citizens demanded The Christian Coalition tell us what specific charitable solution will solve Alabama's problems since the organization doesn't seem to approve of anyone else's solutions?

Perhaps The Christian Coalition needs to check its spiritual thermostat. Seems to me, they are like the Grinch who stole Christmas. Their hearts and minds need to grow three or four sizes larger so they can understand the joy of selflessness gained by serving the needs of others. Or else let's forget all this Christian stuff and admit that we need a new national motto. Instead of "In God We Trust," perhaps we could substitute "I Shop, Therefore, I Am," or "What's mine is mine, don't touch it."

As it is, the more I read pronouncements of the Christian Coalition, the less Christian they sound and the more coalition they seem (as in ALFA, big timber companies and Eagle Forum). This coalition, having enjoyed and profited so much financially from the 20th century, seems determined to take Alabama straight back to the 19th.