Christian Ethics Project #3

Christian Ethics Project #3 1. The biblical basis of Jubilee 2000’s call for the immediate canceling of all debts of HIPC’s is found in Leviticus. This bible book states that “you shall not oppress one another.” Also in the book of Leviticus in the case of someone who becomes poor and in turn to sells his possessions then his relative may redeem the possessions he sold. Or if the man has no one to redeem it but he himself becomes able to redeem it then let him count the years since the sale, and restore the remainder to the man whom he sold it, that he may return to his possessions. But if he’s not able to have it restored to himself, then what was sold shall remain in the land of him who bought it until the year of Jubilee and in the Jubilee it shall be released and he shall return to his possessions. (Lev 25:25-28 NKJV) This biblical situation is almost identical to the one of heavily impoverish countries. Those heavily impoverish countries were unable to accomplish financial stability so the more fortunate countries gave back to them in the form of erasing debt. There’s also Bible scripture in regards to debt owed by the poor. Proverbs 19:17 reads, “He who is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will reward him for what he has done.” In addition, Deuteronomy 15:7-8 says, “If there is a poor man among your brothers in any of towns of the land that the Lord your God is giving you, do not be hardhearted or tightfisted toward your poor brother. Rather be openhanded and freely lend him whatever he needs.” I strongly agree with this approach. It’s only humane.

2. I do feel there should be conditions that accompany debt relief for developing countries. I think those conditions should start with their government officials and people of political power and responsibility who makes important decisions for the country. I strongly feel they should be screened for the knowledge and moral ethics for the Jubilee 2000 and any debt relief organization to trust