Able Quote by E. Haldeman-Julius
“"Would you tax God?" asks a defender of church tax exemption. Well, if there were a God he should be able to pay his own way and support his own business. If not, then he should do like other business men and close up shop.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: Satirical piece on church tax exemption, 1930s
If a deity existed, it should financially support itself like any other entity.
In simple terms: God shouldn't get tax breaks.
Key Takeaway
Question exemptions based on belief.
Themes
religion
taxation
skepticism
Mood
critical
thought‑provoking
Type
satirical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- tax law reform
- public debate
- church-state relations
Key Concepts
secularism
policy critique
Questions to Reflect On
- Is taxation appropriate for religious institutions?
- What alternatives exist for funding faith communities?
A Different Perspective
Economic arguments may not address spiritual concerns.
![“Scripture teaches us that God is like this. Paul says that God “is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think” (Eph. 3:20). Commenting on this verse, F. F. Bruce said that God’s “capacity for giving far exceeds [our] capacity for asking.”23” quote by Brian G. Hedges](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/08a/brian-g-hedges-224532_bible_scripture-teaches-us-that-god-is-like-th_598885.jpg)
