Some years ago, an American economist wrote in a national magazine and said: “The health of the American economy depends upon the ability of the American consumer to take on more debt.” Now, I am no economist or financial wizard, but that statement sounds a bit off. It totally runs the opposite to what we read in Deuteronomy which says that anyone who owes to another is the slave of that person. Paul, in one of his writings reinforces that truth – and, in fact, plainly writes

Paul participated in the beginnings of several Christian churches. And, after they were established, he continued to be interested and...