Several years ago, Christopher Peterson and Steven Graves demonstrated that payday lenders are more common in conservative Christian states. More recently, Jonathan Landon has addressed here whether there is any causal connection between the two. In short, Landon demonstrated that while there may be a correlation between conservative Christianity and the laws of a state that permit payday lending, most conservative Christian churches in these states preach and teach against the practice of consumptive lifestyles financed by debt.
Then what accounts for the prevalence of payday lending in such areas? Landon's research points to two factors: lack of education about the dangers of consumer debts for those outside conservative churches and lack of biblical discipleship for those in churches in such areas (which churches practice what Landon calls "event Christianity").
An interesting article that doesn't answer all the questions raised but should better focus the activities of those who are concerned about the problems facilitated by payday lending.
Then what accounts for the prevalence of payday lending in such areas? Landon's research points to two factors: lack of education about the dangers of consumer debts for those outside conservative churches and lack of biblical discipleship for those in churches in such areas (which churches practice what Landon calls "event Christianity").
An interesting article that doesn't answer all the questions raised but should better focus the activities of those who are concerned about the problems facilitated by payday lending.
No comments:
Post a Comment