I came to the conclusion a quarter century ago that taxation is theft, and had an epic battle with the leadership of the church I attended at the time. A church where I was a founding member, but had no "official" capacity. Long story, as you might imagine. The leadership ultimately used threats and coercion to keep me in line, but (thank God) I ultimately found an alternate "church home."
I really need to get my Steemit Library revision and maintenance completed. I've written a lot about my understanding of church v state, and state v individual.
I really wasn't "grumpy" against my friend at all, just against the state. She understands that.
Sorry to hear of your dad's affliction. Glad they made 50 years...
Are you aware of http://cancertutor.com ?
"...a system that is perhaps even more "sin-soaked" than most individuals..."
The systems we observe (aka the state) are irretrievably broken. I have become convinced that human government is in all truth the beast of John's revelation, and the church at large (speaking in an all too general sense) is its false prophet. I've written about this, probably most directly in this article:
I appreciate your comments, my friend. Thank you. ;)