Debt Claims

In a modern society, the government enforces debts on behalf of the creditors, unless the government is the debtor. Governments usually take the side of creditors. They generally do this, even if the debt is unfair and the interest rate is exorbitant. The only escape for a debtor is to declare themselves bankrupt.

In a kingdom society, there is no state authority with the power to enforce the repayment of debt. Judges can confirm that a debt is owing, but they would not have authority to enforce payment of the debt. This means that repayment of debt will be voluntary. Pressure to repay debt may come from within the community, however the community will only put pressure on debtors, if they believe that it is justified.

All other creditors will be reliant on the good will of the debtor. They will usually repay, because they will realise that they might want a loan in the future and do not want to spoil their credit record. They will also understand that they might be a creditor in the future, so they will want to set a good example for other debtors by repaying as promised.

In the Kingdom of God, repayment of debt will always be voluntary. The debtor can walk away from the debt, if they are willing to incur the wrath of the creditor. This takes us back to the teachings of Jesus. He said,

But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back (Luke 6:35).

All lending should be done with an expectation that the debt might not be repaid. The effect of this will be a significant reduction in debt levels. Most people will be unwilling to make big loans to others, because it will be too risky.

The only people who lend to those who are poor will be Christians demonstrating the love of Jesus. Most other people will be unwilling to run the risk. Equity financing will become much more import than debt financing.