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Post by Douglas on Apr 15, 2008 6:56:19 GMT -8
1 "Who shall sojourn in your tent? Who shall dwell on your holy hill?"
5 "He who does not put out his money at interest."
I think that this verse could be a great challenge to so many of us western Christians that have embraced capitalism as the God given model of economics. The personal application of this verse is very far reaching. One can only wonder what would happen is all the Christians stopped loaning money at interest and started loaning it free of charge.
Douglas
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Post by robin on Apr 15, 2008 7:41:47 GMT -8
As one who believes in the capitalist system, I don't think it is God given. However, I don't think that psalm 15 speaks against capitalism any more that Luke 25:14-30 (Parable of the talents) is and endorsement of capitalism. By the way, which economic system do you prefer, and can you find scriptural support for it?
Robin
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Post by Josh on Apr 15, 2008 13:13:20 GMT -8
Douglas,
Are you thinking of individuals charging interest or businesses/ banks?
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Post by robin on Apr 15, 2008 14:16:45 GMT -8
I will share my understanding of the passage (I should have in my earlier post). I think what David is addressing is how we should treat the poor and needy (Exodus 22:25, Leviticus 25:36). If my neighbor comes to me and says he lost his job and needs some money to get by for a short time and feed his family, it would be evil of me to take advantage of his predicament and charge him interest on money loaned. I, as a Christian, should simply give what money I can to help and expect nothing back. But say my neighbor comes and asks for a loan of $10,000 in order to upgrade his home, and in turn the value of his house goes up $30,000. Is it still wrong to expect interest on such a loan? I would say no. We both end up better off in the end. My money has been returned to me with interest and my neighbors wealth has increase as a result. Under such a case no harm has been done.
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Post by michelle on Apr 15, 2008 20:26:34 GMT -8
Deuteronomy also sheds some light on where David was coming from when he said this.
Deu 23:19-20 19 Do not charge your brother interest, whether on money or food or anything else that may earn interest. 20 You may charge a foreigner interest, but not a brother Israelite, so that the LORD your God may bless you in everything you put your hand to in the land you are entering to possess.
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