Barry Lynn talks Hobby Lobby on Point of Inquiry (Pt 6)

A bit of history to clarify Lynn's comparison to the Amish in regards to Social Security:

In 1935 "The Social Security Act" which included "Old Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance," passed Congress.  In 1955 the Act was extended to include farm operators which set up the dispute(s) with the Amish.  Though they are supporters of "paying unto Caesar what is Caesar’s," they do have issue with commercialized insurance.  Under their doctrine, use of insurance is seen as not trusting God and of the world.  More succinctly it is a violation of their strongly held view of church-state separation, the paying of monies to the government in return for some form of benefit/welfare.  As Lynn mentioned, the care of the elderly is seen as the responsibility of the family and community, not the government.  They take car of their own.  In 1956 a group of Old Order Amish farmers began a legal battle with the IRS to preserve their faith.

The first case stemmed from a trend begun in the 50s, While Social Security was called a tax and administered by the IRS,  it was also clearly described as a form of old age and survivors insurance.  The Amish refused to pay the "premium" nor accept the benefits

Valentine Byler owed four years of IRS taxes, with interest the amount owed was $308.96.  In a 1960 case before the Pittsburgh U.S. District Court, Byler basically challenged the the use of the words "and Disability Insurance" which violated his religious beliefs.  The case was dismissed, but in 1961, the IRS in true conspiratorial fashion, seized 3 horse and tackle as payment.  ",,,People have no right to use their religion as an excuse not to pay taxes."

Later in 1961 following the seizure a meeting occurred with the IRS commissioner in Washington and Amish bishops citing I Timothy 5:8,  "But if any provide not for his own, and especially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith and is worse than an infidel."  It was decide that other means would be pursued.  In the end, the Amish pursued a legislative exemption which was included in the 1965 Medicare bill, "a clause exempting the Old Order Amish, and any other religious sect who conscientiously objected to insurance, from paying Social Security payments, providing that sect had been in existence since December 31, 1950."

The preceding information was condensed from the following article:  Pay Unto Caesar - The Amish & Social Security