Christian Investment Decisions

[CanIHunt]

I know the OT says a person should not charge interest to God's people. Does this rule still apply to us today when lending money? What about if a affluent Christian purchases a rental home as an investment. What should he do if his tenant fails to pay rent? The Christian in this example would not be personally negatively impacted if he did not get the rent check for a given month (meaning his quality of life continues) but his overall return on that investment would of course be negatively impacted..

 

[ViaCrucis]

I know the OT says a person should not charge interest to God's people. Does this rule still apply to us today when lending money? What about if a affluent Christian purchases a rental home as an investment. What should he do if his tenant fails to pay rent? The Christian in this example would not be personally negatively impacted if he did not get the rent check for a given month (meaning his quality of life continues) but his overall return on that investment would of course be negatively impacted..

Historically usury--charging interest--was regarded as a sin. With the advent of modern banking this has largely gone the way of the dodo.

The commandments in the Torah don't apply to Christians, as such there is no commandment, strictly speaking, that forbids interest and loans (etc).

Though I'd argue that if one wants to be a stickler for the Christian ethical principles of charity, mercy, forgiveness, etc, then if someone borrows money from you personally, that not only should not try and charge them interest, but give expecting nothing in return. If they repay you, fantastic, if they don't, fantastic. Give charitably or not at all is what I'd say.

As far as the present economic structures go, don't get hung up on the details too much. In whatever vocation you find yourself, do it to the best of your ability, showing mercy wherever and however possible.

-CryptoLutheran

 

[pdudgeon]

I know the OT says a person should not charge interest to God's people. Does this rule still apply to us today when lending money? What about if a affluent Christian purchases a rental home as an investment. What should he do if his tenant fails to pay rent? The Christian in this example would not be personally negatively impacted if he did not get the rent check for a given month (meaning his quality of life continues) but his overall return on that investment would of course be negatively impacted..

but the question is why would you want to invest your money for the long term into something that is subject to depreciation or natural disasters? you would do better to invest that money into a property that could be improved and then sold for a profit.

as for lending money it's definitely not advised. if you have a friend who needs money then give it to them freely--but don't put either yourself or your friend into bondage by lending the money to them. while you might not be economically disadvantaged by the loss, why put a friendship at such risk?

 

[CanIHunt]

Sorry, I am not referring to lending to a friend. I am referring to investment vehicles like lendingclub.com which is a peer-to-peer lending site, aiming to cut out the banks

 

[Autumnleaf]

I know the OT says a person should not charge interest to God's people. Does this rule still apply to us today when lending money? What about if a affluent Christian purchases a rental home as an investment. What should he do if his tenant fails to pay rent? The Christian in this example would not be personally negatively impacted if he did not get the rent check for a given month (meaning his quality of life continues) but his overall return on that investment would of course be negatively impacted..

I think OT pertained to Jews loaning Jews money. Nothing in the Bible against them loaning gentiles money as far as I know.

 

[pdudgeon]

Sorry, I am not referring to lending to a friend. I am referring to investment vehicles like lendingclub.com which is a peer-to-peer lending site, aiming to cut out the banks

nope, again i would say don't lend, expecting to get something in return. Far better to invest so that many people can benefit.

 

[CanIHunt]

ok thank you.