Biblical Answer

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Your Question:

is medical debt a sin?

Answer:

As a pastor, I've had to grapple with the concept of debt and sin in the context of our church community. From a biblical perspective, debt can be seen as a form of sin because it represents a moral obligation to repay what we owe. The Bible teaches that sin is a form of debt that we incur when we fail to live up to God's standards, and that Jesus Christ has paid the penalty for our sin on the cross. In this sense, debt can be seen as a manifestation of our sinfulness and our need for forgiveness and redemption.

However, not all debt is created equal. When it comes to medical debt, I believe it's a different story. Medical debt is not a result of sinful behavior, but rather a result of circumstances beyond our control. It's not a moral obligation to repay medical debt in the same way that it is to repay a loan or credit card debt. In fact, the Bible teaches that we should prioritize caring for the poor and vulnerable, including those who are struggling with medical debt. As Christians, we are called to show compassion and mercy to those who are in need, rather than viewing them as moral failures.

In light of this, I don't believe that medical debt is a sin in and of itself. Rather, it's a result of a complex interplay of factors, including the high cost of healthcare, insurance gaps, and systemic injustices. As a church, we should be working to address these underlying issues, rather than simply viewing medical debt as a moral failing. By doing so, we can show the love and compassion of Christ to those who are struggling, and work towards creating a more just and equitable society.

Sources:

dogmatic theology
shedd
introduction biblical ethics
robertson mcquilkin
matthew
r t france
ephesians
darrell bock
addictions a banquet in the grave
edward t welch

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