The tax bills currently before the US Congress are designed to make the rich richer and the poor poorer. Additionally, they add $1.5 trillion to the national debt. These tax plans cannot be biblically defended.
“The rich rules over the poor, and the borrower is the slave of the lender. Whoever sows injustice will reap calamity, and the rod of anger will fail (Proverbs 22:7-8, NRSV).” These words of warning from Holy Scripture serve to remind us that over time those in power who steal from the poor will weaken the body politic and invite chaos. “Oppressing the poor in order to enrich oneself, and giving it to the rich, will lead only to loss (Proverbs 22:16, NRSV).”
The National Council of Churches prays our elected leaders heed these ancient words of wisdom which bear witness even today. Our lawmakers have a responsibility to care for the entire citizenry, not just those with the means to influence tax policy.