Part 1 of 5: Money, Debt and Religion - Christianity

How Christianity views money. Part 1 of 5 articles viewing what the world’s 5 major religions say about money.

There appears to be a huge discrepancy between what the Jesus says about money and wealth and how many Christians throughout history have embraced it.

The following quotes are the words of Jesus.

• “For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and lose his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?” (Matthew 16:26) 
• “It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God” (Matthew, 19:24). 
• “No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money” (Matthew 6:24)
• ‘If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me. (Matthew 19:21)
• “Then [Jesus] said to them, ‘Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.’” Luke 12:15

Many of the leading Christan figures such as Saint Francis of Assisi gave up all material possession and lived a life of poverty. This is in contrast to the example set by the Vatican.

Especially in America, religion and wealth are closely linked in right wing mutations of Christianity. The primary message of many TV evangelists is that love of God will result of wealth and prosperity. This is of course helped by giving them some of your money.

Some lines from the Old Testament give license to the right wing brigade:-

• “If they obey and serve him, they shall spend their days in prosperity, and their years in pleasures.”  (Job 36:11)
• “The wicked borroweth, and payeth not again: but the righteous sheweth mercy, and giveth.” Psalm 37:21

The above is not the teaching of Christ, but i have seen them quoted on called Christian Debt Help websites.

I’m very cynical about companies offering Christian Debt Counseling, which is big business in the United States, but not so much in the UK. Christians are just a target group that marketing can be directed towards in the same way any company can direct marketing at any particular group.

Many companies state they are not for profit - that’s because the directors pay themselves so much the company just about breaks even!

Many equate debt to sin, which is totally out of order.

Most of our clients have experienced a life changing event or found themselves unable pay once manageable credit repayments. The two most common being a lost of income or break up of a relationship. Some of our clients have fallen into to debt crisis due to lack of financial maturity, but these are the minority.

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Check back next Monday for Islam and Money/Debt

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