Discussion: Christian Debt Management
Thursday July 13, 2006
Ted writes: I get a lot of spam, and I'll often see Christian Debt Management as the subject line. Now, this has some possibilities. It could be management of Christian debt, which I guess would be the spiritual "paying for your sins" kind of thing. Or it could be a Christian approach to debt management, like maybe telling your creditors they'll get their reward in heaven. Any other possibilities?
Have you ever received spam like this? If so, have you ever investigated just what "Christian Debt Management" is all about? Read More...
Comments
I can’t participate in the forums from my current location, so I’ll comment here:
Christian Debt Management is essentially using Biblical principles (or modern Christian interpretations of those principles) for managing debt.
You’ll receive a handful of verses that explain why high-interest rate debt is bad (and you’ll feel guilty depending on how highly you esteen the random biblical citation). Then you’ll be put under a budget, and you’ll receive some tips on how to negotiate with creditors for lower rates, the dangers of consolidation loans, snowballing payments, etc. You’ll also be strongly told how important it is for you to tithe, even if you think you can’t afford it (The Lord provides when you are obedient, you are told.)
Finally, you will receive some biblical instruction about the dangers of getting back into debt. Consumer debt is treated the same as any other “worldly” good–if it causes you pain, then it’s a sin in your life, and you need to ask God to help you root out the evil and destroy it. Perhaps a counselor will offer to pray for you.
Essentially, with the exception of the Bible verses and the orders to tithe, “Biblical Debt Management” is the same common-sense information and tips that you can receive from secular sources, like thousands of web sites, numerous books in any bookstore, etc.
One could use the same principle for nearly anything. Biblical Nutrition, Biblical Career Counseling, Biblical Swimming Pool Maintenance, etc. Take any aspect of modern life, slap on a veneer of the sacred in order to break through the sales resistance of the believer, and make sure you have plenty of bank deposit slips.