From Usury to Economic Justice: Orthodox Christian Ethics and the Sovereign Debt Crisis in Greece and Cyprus

Spyros Repousis

Journal of Social Science Studies, 2025, vol. 12, issue 2, 74

Abstract: Purpose- To explore how Orthodox Christian ethical teachings on lending and usury can be translated into economically viable frameworks that promote justice, solidarity, and responsible financial governance in Greece and Cyprus.Design/methodology/approach- This study employs a conceptual, historical-theological, and applied ethical approach. It draws from biblical sources, patristic writings (particularly St. Basil the Great and St. John Chrysostom), and comparative analysis of the sovereign debt crises in Greece and Cyprus. The study also outlines pathways for implementing these insights into economic policies and financial systems.Findings- The study establishes that Orthodox Christian ethics condemns exploitative lending while allowing for morally responsible lending that supports communal welfare and development. A theological framework that balances compassion with economic prudence can foster just and sustainable finance.Practical Implications- Ethical guidelines derived from Orthodox theology can inform public policy, inspire alternative banking models, and promote equitable lending practices that contribute to economic stability and social welfare.

Date: 2025
References: View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations:

Downloads: (external link)
https://www.macrothink.org/journal/index.php/jsss/article/download/23358/17903 (application/pdf)
https://www.macrothink.org/journal/index.php/jsss/article/view/23358 (text/html)

Related works:
This item may be available elsewhere in EconPapers: Search for items with the same title.

Export reference: BibTeX RIS (EndNote, ProCite, RefMan) HTML/Text

Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:mth:jsss88:v:12:y:2025:i:2:p:74

Access Statistics for this article

Journal of Social Science Studies is currently edited by John Smith

More articles in Journal of Social Science Studies from Macrothink Institute
Bibliographic data for series maintained by Technical Support Office ( this e-mail address is bad, please contact ).