Hey Resurgence readers,

Heads-up: this is not a post from a dead theologian. It’s about mortgages, actually. Specifically, strategic default and the question, is it ever OK biblically to walk away from a mortgage?

Why this question? Well, because it’s a situation that comes up surprisingly often for people and churches, one where the right choice isn’t obvious and that sometimes take discernment and guidance by the Spirit on how to proceed.

Turns out, the Bible has a lot to say about borrowing as it seems to have been a common social phenomenon, and it’s not a subject to be taken lightly, given verses like Proverbs 22:7, Psalm 37:21, Deuteronomy 15:1, and Proverbs 17:18.

Bill Simmonds, a pastor at Mars Hill Church West Seattle, is a former real estate agent and has been an investor in Seattle-area real estate for over 35 years, and has studied real estate law and the mortgage banking system. The paper linked here is for those homeowners who owe more than their homes are worth, and are considering strategic default as a resolution. This paper will also be helpful for pastors in understanding the problem, and respond to those seeking counsel on the subject.

We hope this will be a beneficial resource for you and your church.

Download the PDF