I would just like to know what the Bible says about lending money with interest in return. -- a disciple in Manila
However, we live under the new covenant. Since there is no prohibition against usury, most Christians think this is okay today. The early church had quite a different view:
* "His money he will not give on usury and will not take interest"... These words contain a description of the conduct of Christians. -- Clement of Alexandria, c.195 AD.
* Let it suffice to say that the Law prohibits a brother from taking usury. -- Clement of Alexandria, c.195 AD.
This is a complex issue, since today, unlike ancient Israel, we are not a single people living in a single church-state with a single economy. Although there was inflation in ancient times, it was minor, and did not take place in today's world of multinational banking, investment, and lending.
This being the case, it is probably best for brothers and sisters to come to their own opinion about this matter.
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(c) 2008, Douglas Jacoby. Do not copy without prior permission from the author.