Usury, a term often associated with exorbitant interest rates, has long been a topic of ethical debate within the Catholic Church. The question of whether usury constitutes a sin has persisted throughout history, with varying interpretations among theologians and scholars. At its core, usury involves charging excessive interest on loans, exploiting the financial vulnerability of borrowers for personal gain. This practice has been condemned by the Church for centuries, rooted in the belief that it goes against principles of justice and charity.
In the teachings of the Catholic Church, usury is considered a grave moral wrong that exploits those in need. The Catechism of the Catholic Church explicitly states that “those whose usurious and avaricious dealings lead to the hunger and death of their brethren in the human family indirectly commit homicide, which is imputable to them” (CCC 2269). This strong language underscores the seriousness with which the Church views usury, linking it to actions that directly harm others. The idea is that by charging exploitative interest rates, individuals contribute to the suffering and deprivation of those who are already struggling.
The Church’s stance on usury remains steadfast, considering it a sin that goes against the principles of social justice and solidarity. The understanding of usury as an immoral act that harms both individuals and communities has not changed. Therefore, according to Catholic teaching, engaging in usurious practices, such as charging excessive interest rates on loans, is indeed a sinful act. It is a violation of justice and charity, exploiting the vulnerable for personal gain.
(Response: Yes, according to Catholic teaching, usury is considered a sin.)