Debt is debt, regardless of your religion. It's money you borrowed and must pay back. If you're struggling under credit cards, student loans, car payments, mortgages and more, finding a way out of the money hole can feel overwhelming. For Christians, there are special issues related to Christian debt. Learn how to get help with bills and a debt-free strategy for Christians.
Christian Debt
How can debt be different for Christians versus Jews, Muslims, atheists, etc.? If a Christian goes to a financial planner and lays out his or her bills, one of the first comments the average financial planner will make is this: "Well, here's some money in your budget; just stop the tithe to your church until you get your debt cleared."
While a seat warmer in a church might agree, any Bible-believing Christian knows that according to faith, tithing isn't just another line item in the budget, but is an agreement between you and God to help the church survive and thrive, to show your faith in a loving Father who provides when you give, and so much more.
That donation to the church isn't optional. A Christian financial planner familiar with faith-based financial choices understands that. This is one way that Christian debt is different from other forms of debt. Christian personal finance experts will consult with you to find a way to preserve your beliefs and reduce your bills.
What Does the Bible Say About Debt?
The Bible has much to say on being in debt. In fact, in Matthew 25:27 the Bible specifically notes the expectation that depositing money in a bank should earn the depositor interest: "Well then, you should have put my money on deposit with the bankers, so that when I returned I would have received it back with interest."
The reverse, then, is true: loans taken or given by Christians can involve an exchange of interest earned, unlike loans in Islam. The Bible cautions that interest rates need to be reasonable, though.
Christians and Bankruptcy
Can you walk away from your debt and declare bankruptcy? In the United States more than 1.4 million people used this as a method to get out from under loans and debt in 2009. What about Christian debt? As Psalm 37:21 notes, "The wicked borrow and do not repay, but the righteous give generously." According to the Bible, then, Christian debt repayment is a requirement.
Finding help that fits with your faith and your finances is the first step in achieving a healthier relationship with money and with God for Christian debt issues. Research options carefully and read about new debt counselors and established advising firms in newspapers, magazines, and promotions to choose the best expert. There is no shame in being in debt, but the real shame comes from not seeking out the right faith-based loan assistance and prayer to get your bills under control.
Melanie Zoltan - Melanie Zoltan is a former college professor and administrator who has written for About.com, PCWorld, Brain Child, Thomson Gale, and ...
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