Romans, Proverbs & problematic debt

British Columbia tour

Related April 2015

Update

In regard to the subject of financial 'Debt', reviewing Nelson's Three In One Bible Reference Companion:

Romans 13:8 is provided as example. From the New American Standard Version: Romans 13:8 New American Standard Bible (NASB)

8 Owe nothing to anyone except to love one another; for he who loves [a]his neighbor has fulfilled the law. Footnotes: Romans 13:8 Lit the other from the New American Standard Bible (NASB)

Writing on 13: 8... Cranfield comments that 'Christians are to leave no debts, no obligations to their fellow-men undischarged.' Cranfield (1992: 326).

Mounce: 'The Christian is to allow no debt to remain outstanding except the one that can never be paid off-''the debt to the love one another''.' Mounce (1995: 245). A key in regard to financial debt with the verse is the 'Owe nothing to anyone', although overall within Christian faith, theology and philosophy, love of course is central.

As a student, with eventually a high-level, British, PhD I had many years to be frugal and conservative with my income and to prayerfully consider money and now have quite a strong theological and philosophical objection to debt. To update from my article, I am now, technically, debt free. I purchased a ‘newish’ used US model, SUV with cash, as paying for fixes is cheaper than making monthly payments for new. As I have been homecaring for ‘the Boss’ since 2002, I should inherit the condominium once she passes. Whenever, that occurs. Thankfully, the mortgage payments are low, as is the overall debt, relatively, for a mortgage.

It seems good and reasonable to have significant cash savings and the ability to travel to Europe for cultural activities, football tours and a holiday from work. Travelling to the United States, Asia and other continents also is reasonable for similar reasons. It is also good and reasonable to have significant money to give to the Church and the poor, for example. I collect books, for fiction and non-fiction and I need the funds to do this affordably and reasonably.

Romans 13: 8 is good and reasonable is regard to financial debt.

Proverbs on debt (New American Standard Version): I preferred this one for the context of the article:

Proverbs 22: 7

The rich rules over the poor, And the borrower becomes the lender's slave.

CRANFIELD, C.E.B. (1992) Romans: A Shorter Commentary, Grand Rapids, William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company.

MOUNCE, ROBERT H. (1995) The New American Commentary: Romans, Nashville, Broadman & Holman Publishers. Nelson's Three-In-One Bible Reference (1982), Nashville, Thomas Nelson Publishers.