ITEMS OF INTEREST March 21, 2005 Issue

ITEMS OF INTEREST

with contributions from Alexandra Alter, Mike Billington, John Dorschner

"WHAT DOES THE BIBLE have to say about credit cards, home mortgages. and debt reduction? Everything, according to Karen Ingleton, a single mother and nurse practitioner . . . who eliminated $29,000 of debt after adopting a Bible-based financial plan four and a half years ago. 'God's part in financial planning is that God is going to provide for you,' she said. 'He has the principles you need to learn.'

"Advocates of faith-based financial planning point to some 2,350 verses of Scripture that outline those principles—namely, use money, don't be a slave to it, and be mindful . . . of resources . . . Growing of Christians are turning to Bible-based financial counselors, books, and seminars to get out of debt and manage their assets. Pastors are advising their members not only on thing but on investments, budgeting, and saving.

" 'Scripture is a road map for how to handle all of our money—how to earn it, save it, invest it, get out of debt,' said Howard Dayton, chief executive and co-founder of Crown Financial Ministries, a nonprofit organization formed in 2000 that promotes faith-based financial responsibility. 'For people coming from a faith perspective, it's nice to hear what the experts say about money, but they'd rather hear what the Lord says.' . . . Ministers say it's their duty to respond to their congregation's fiscal as well as spiritual needs....

Send a comment to the editors

NEXT IN THIS ISSUE

Article

You're not alone on the road to mental health