The moral bankruptcy of fundamentalism

[bigsky]

The moral bankruptcy of fundamentalism

By SEAN GONSALVES
In light of the Bush bankruptcy bill and his repeal of the estate tax, let's examine the phrase "Bible-believing Christians," who we can thank for giving Bush his "mandate."

Supposedly, a "Bible-believing Christian" is a Christian who believes the Bible to be the inerrant and infallible word of God.

It's redundant to call a Christian a Bible believer (all Christianity is Bible-centered). However, in popular dialogue, when someone is identified as such, they mean to indicate they are a particular type of Christian - a fundamentalist. And though the phrase is a religious one, "Bible believer" is also meant to imply a politically, socially and economically conservative Christian.

But to honor conservative Christians with the title of being "Bible believing" is off the mark. They're fundamentalists all right - market (not Christian) fundamentalists, obsessed with sexual ethics.

Given "Bible-believers" deafening silence over a bankruptcy bill that subjects the working-poor to market discipline while doing nothing to hold unethical lending institutions accountable, and their low-key support for the permanent repeal of the estate tax, is blasphemy against the spirit embodied in the very Bible they claim as their guide.

Exodus 22:25-27 speaks of a divine ordinance prohibiting interest charges on money lending. Hebrew and Semitic Language Professor John Gray points out: "The prohibition against interest refers, not to commercial investment, where the interest is simply a share of the borrower's profit, but to exploitation of a poor man's need."

There are 46 million Americans without health insurance, and one of every five children in America are born into poverty. But, under the new bankruptcy laws, if you're one of the millions of working Americans who use credit cards to pay medical bills or food because charity isn't enough, credit card companies can charge usurious interest rates, turning people into debt-slaves. Wouldn't a Bible-believing Christian call for legislation that, at the very least, outlaws usury?

Exodus 23:10-19 calls for the fields to "lie fallow" every seven years to feed the poor with surplus food. Leviticus 25:8-34 proclaims the "Jubilee year," which called for the cancellation of all debt based on the biblical pronouncement that God is the absolute owner of all property and even though people "own" possessions they're actually mere stewards over God's property.

So while these passages are anti-Communist insofar as private property is acknowledged by the God of the Bible, the scripture advocates for periodic, massive redistribution of wealth to even out the playing field, recognizing the human propensity to use the power wealth affords to exploit the poor, as the book of Proverbs discusses in scripture after scripture.

Speaking of Proverbs, in that collection of wisdom sayings, you'll find several warnings such as: "rob not the poor because he is poor; neither oppress the afflicted in the public square" (Proverbs 22:22).

The thematic focus of all the books of the prophets, from Isaiah to Micah, is God's displeasure with idolatry and oppressing the poor, and the two are often linked.

In the Christian New Testament, Jesus says he came "to preach the gospel to the poor..." and that the nations would be judged according to how "the least of these" have been treated. And don't forget what Jesus told the young rich man who asked how to get into heaven. Sell all your possessions, Jesus told him.

Jesus' eldest brother, James, one of the "pillar" apostles and leader of the Jerusalem Church - the first Christian Church to ever exist - sent the apostle Paul out to collect money for the poor (Acts 15) and, in his epistle, he speaks on this issue with real moral clarity.

"Go now, you rich men, weep and howl for the miseries that shall come upon you. Your riches are corrupted...."

None of this is to say that God is a Marxist or that capitalism has been divinely rebuked, but it does point to an ethical spirit that is being mocked today by the very people who claim to be "Bible believers."

Though such social sin is a cause for lamentation, true Bible believers have faith that justice will eventually "roll down like waters" because "whoever blocks his ears at the cry of the poor, he also shall cry, but will not be heard" (Proverbs 21:13).

"Bible-believing" market fundamentalists consider yourselves warned.

Sean Gonsalves is a Cape Cod Times staff writer and a syndicated columnist. His column runs on Tuesdays. Call him at 508-775-1200, ext. 719, or e-mail him at sgonsalves@capecodonline.com

(Published: April 19, 2005)
http://www.capecodonline.com/cctimes/edits/seang.htm

[Elfie]

Another attempted slam on Christians?

[Raider179]

Ummm Isnt that supposed to be Bible-Thumping?

never heard the term bible believing before. That is stupid.

[storch]

apparently someone at the lending institutions took guns, placed them in salespeoples hands and sent them door to door across America forcing these pious poor people to borrow money for goods until they were indebted to levels far beyond their ability to repay.  Imagine that!!! I think we need more gun laws to prevent those evil credit card companies from compelling the holy poor people to borrow money from them.

[Raider179]

Originally posted by storch
apparently someone at the lending institutions took guns, placed them in salespeoples hands and sent them door to door across America forcing these pious poor people to borrow money for goods until they were indebted to levels far beyond their ability to repay.  Imagine that!!! I think we need more gun laws to prevent those evil credit card companies from compelling the holy poor people to borrow money from them.

Are there exemptions for getting laid off from a job or for medical emergencies?

[storch]

Originally posted by Raider179
Are there exemptions for getting laid off from a job or for medical emergencies?

I believe that if you make interest payments on any loan while you are going through a difficult period it is acceptable and there are agencies that will help anyone with this type of financial difficulty.

the problem is that many people think it is ok to borrow money and never repay it.  credit is a very dangerous thing and should be utilized soberly.  anyone can find themselves in serious problems quickly if they are not careful.  it takes a moment to swipe your credit card to purchase a product or services but you may find yourself paying for the stuff years from now and the item may no longer even serviceable.  many of us find ourselves paying for stuff long after we have tossed said stuff out.

years ago we got into the habit of making our car payments prior to purchasing our automobiles.  if (for instance) a car note was $350.00 then that amount was deposited into an interest bearing account at the beginning of each month when we paid our bills.  that system has worked well for us.  compound interest can be a beautiful thing if it is made to work in your favor.  all that is required is a little discipline and never mind the Bimmer your bud just bought.

[john9001]

please read the bankruptcy bill, it will not affect people who are really "bankrupt",IE canot repay their debt, it only lets the bankruptcy judge make people who can repay all or part of the debt file chapter 13 instead of chapter 7.

[Gunthr]

Its my understanding that instead of escaping thier obligations, a person seeking bankruptcy who earns MORE than the national average will be allowed to go on a payment plan to repay what he has borrowed with a minimum payment of $100 per month.

What is wrong with that?

[wrag]

Interesting post.

IMHO the author is pointing at something that is valid.

I don't consider this a slam.

Many that call themselves christian do so only in name.

A little note:  I believe there is a statement within the bible that warns all, it goes something like ... to those who are given much, much is expected.

Warning against GREED repeatedly occur.  Oppresion of the poor is also warned against.

Doesn't seem to do much anymore.

[Samiam]

The author seems to imply that the only avenue for being charitible and merciful the to poor and afflicted is through federal govt. programs and laws.

Most Christians give a substantial portion of their income to the church, and most churches provide substantial aid to those in need.

Calling it blasphemy and hypocracy to expect the fed. govmt. to limit itself and let let those called upon by the Bible to provide for the needy is simply misguided.

[Tumor]

Psalm 37:21:  “The wicked borrows and does not repay, but the righteous shows mercy and gives.”

[Raider179]

Originally posted by Samiam


Most Christians give a substantial portion of their income to the church, and most churches provide substantial aid to those in need.

 

Or they just build a new gym, or a bigger church. I hardly ever see any churches doing "community" work except on holidays. Guess some is better than none though.

Flame on!

[FUNKED1]

The tardriffic tardery of tardism
Why did you post that crap and can I have my 15 seconds back?

[Captain Virgil Hilts]

The best charity is transparent. if you feel you have to TELL someone or be SEEN doing it, you're doing it for the WRONG reasons. The church does not have to be SEEN doing charity and community service. that's not the point. If you don't understand that, then there isn't much anyone can do for you.

[Kweassa]

I'm sure that explains the reason why the RESULTS are transparent and invisible too.