Church Quote by James A. Garfield
“The divorce between Church and State ought to be absolute. It ought to be so absolute that no Church property anywhere, in any state or in the nation, should be exempt from equal taxation; for if you exempt the property of any church organization, to that extent you impose a tax upon the whole community.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Address to the 1880 Republican National Convention, 1880
Advocates total separation of church and state, arguing that any tax exemption for churches unfairly burdens the broader community.
In simple terms: Churches should be taxed like any other entity.
Key Takeaway
Ensure equal taxation for all institutions.
Themes
separation of church and state
tax fairness
civil equality
Mood
thoughtful
serious
Type
political
philosophical
When to use this quote
- legislative debates
- public budgeting
- tax reform discussions
- community advocacy
Key Concepts
public policy
tax law
religious liberty
Questions to Reflect On
- How would equal taxation affect church services?
- What alternatives exist to protect religious freedom while ensuring fairness?
A Different Perspective
May face resistance from religious groups fearing loss of autonomy.
![“I do not make decisions [as governor] based on what have I learned through my Bible studies, what have I learned in my religious classes in school. I'm a big believer in separation of church and state, and I think that's what . . . the law is.” quote by Arnold Schwarzenegger](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/a18/arnold-schwarzenegger-657_believer_i-do-not-make-decisions-as-governor-base_18031.jpg)
![“T]he church is not a place. It's not a building. It's not a preaching point. It's not a spiritual service provider. It's a people - the new covenant, blood-bought people of God. That's why Paul said, 'Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her' (Eph. 5:25). He didn't give himself up for a…” quote by Mark Dever](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/7a4/mark-dever-3175_blood_t-he-church-is-not-a-place-it-s-not-a-bu_3297.jpg)
