[redgolum]

Yes, but you also have to remember something.

Until recently, charging interest on a loan (or receiving interest) was considered a mortal sin. It was called usury.

The shift from mortal sin to the Vatican bank is something that has interested me for a while. Many have proposed a different financial system, that keeps the prohibition on usury. The ROC is suggesting something along those lines if I read it right.

[Mrs. Don-o]

Usury (taking interest on a loan) was consistently condemned by the Prophets of Israel and the Fathers of the Church.

The prophet Ezekiel goes so far as to call usury --- like sodomy --- an abomination:

"If he has exacted usury or taken increase -- Shall he then live? He shall not live! If he has done any of these abominations, He shall surely die; His blood shall be upon him." (Ezekiel 18:13)

Interesting to see the Orthodox Church getting so very traditional as to take steps toward a Biblical economic ethic.