[Vision2020] Warning Scriptural Conversation.

[DonaldH675 at aol.com]

The heading of this email should prepare (and filter disinterested) readers 
that although this is not a doctrinal conversation it does discuss a biblical 
text that I mentioned previously regarding payment of taxes. I am asking all 
compassionate readers to send some of their pocket change to our former Vision 
2020 pen pal, Dale Courtney.  His bible must be incomplete because he missed 
some important text in remarks he made about/to? Dick Schmidt.  I personally 
would feel badly if Dale's bible were so worn that entire verses had vanished. 
And yet, that seems to be the case.
I quoted Matthew 22: 16-21 which contains what I believe are very clear 
instructions to pay taxes.  And while Jesus did not specify "property taxes" lets 
assume that he meant all taxes.  And further, going out on a limb, lets say 
that Jesus didn't suggest that for profit business' should be hidden behind the 
claim of religion.
"Teacher, we know that you are true, and teach the way of God truthfully, and 
care for no man; for you do not regard the position of men.  Tell us, then, 
what you think.  Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?"  But Jesus, 
aware of their malice, said, "Why put me to the test, you hypocrites?  Show me the 
money for the tax.  And they brought him a coin.  And Jesus said to them, 
"Whose likeness and inscription is this?  They said, "Caesar's."  Then he said to 
them. "Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God 
the things that are God's."  Matthew 22: 16 -21.
Dale, in a mean spirited blog, which frankly is more reminiscent of his 
pastor than the decent man I know Dale can be, weighed in on Dick Schmidt's remarks 
with the following:
"For readers outside of Moscow, Dick Schmidt shows what conservatives in 
Moscow are up against. Spin is not the word for it. It's malicious twisting.We say 
“pay your taxes” -- individual and corporate; but churches should remain 
tax-exempt......
 For the record (again), Jesus said in Matt 22:15-21
16 And they sent their disciples to him, along with the Herodians, saying, 
"Teacher, we know that you are true and teach the way of God truthfully, and you 
do not care about anyone's opinion, for you are not swayed by appearances. 
And they brought  him a denarius. "Therefore render to Caesar the things that 
are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's." 
http://right-mind.us/archive/2004/10/11/343.aspx"
Me again:
Here's the problem, aside from the snotty tone, which I do believe Dick can 
handle without my three cents worth.  Dale leaves out verses 17 and 18 which 
speak directly to the point of my post, and the point of Dick's comments.
Tell us, therefore, what do You think?  It is lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, 
or not?" But Jesus perceived their wickedness, and said, "Why do you test Me, 
you hypocrites?"  Matthew 22: 17-18  (for Dale's convenience the New King 
James Version)
So, Dale, how is it that you cherry pick and edit biblical text to suit your 
purpose, and then accuse the Intoleristas and Dick of malicious twisting and 
lying about people?  You know better.
Rose Huskey
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