Don't loan money at interest. Leviticus.

Author: God
Book: Bible
 

"If your kinsman, being in straits, comes under your authority, and you hold him as though a resident alien, do not exact from him advance or accruted interest, but fear your God. Let him live by your side as a kinsman. Do not lend him money at advance interest, or give him your food at accrued interest. I the Lord am your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, to give you the land of Canaan, to be your God.

If your kinsman under you continues in straits and must give himself over to you, do not subject him to the treatment of a slave. He shall remain with you as a hired or bound laborer; he shall serve with you only until the Jubilee year."
Leviticus 25:35-40

The interesting thing here, obviously, is the way that interest is regarded as something to be avoided.

Also, personal debt is expected to be released on the Jubilee year.

What would happen if America practiced Jubilee? Do you think this only applies to kinsmen, or would apply to those not related to you? For Jesus, who were kinsmen?

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About the Author

Hi. My name is Jeremiah John. I'm a sf/f writer and activist.

I just completed a dystopian science fiction novel. I run a website which I created that connects farms with churches, mosques, and synagogues to buy fresh vegetables directly and distribute them on a sliding scale to those in need.

In 2003, I spent six months in prison for civil disobedience while working to close the School of the Americas, converting to Christianity, as one does, while I was in the clink.