With the financial collapse of 2008, I made a personal commitment to learn as much as I could  about the causes of the collapse.

For six years, I have spent many hours on the subject, read numerous books, and learned from experts in several fields of study.

My objective is to share these findings with you in a series of columns explaining the primary causes of the 2008 collapse, how we got there and what our future might be.

Hopefully, my efforts will arm the average citizen with information that will enable him or her to make sound financial decisions in these turbulent economic times.

About me?  I believe the Holy Bible to be the inerrant, infallible, divinely inspired, word of the Lord God.

As I approach my 74th birthday, I admit that I am still a work in progress.  I believe that America was established with a divine purpose, as was ancient Israel.

Therefore, the teachings of the Bible influence my thoughts on America’s plight.  Benjamin Franklin, a driving force in America’s struggle for Independence, characterizes such a thought process with this quote:

“We stand at the crossroads, each minute, each hour, each day, making choices. We choose the thoughts we allow ourselves to think, the passions we allow ourselves to feel, and the actions we allow ourselves to perform. Each choice is made in the context of whatever value system we have selected to govern our lives. In selecting that value system, we are, in a very real way, making the most important choice we will ever make.

Those who believe there is one God who made all things and who governs the world by this providence will make many choices different from those who do not.

Those who hold in reverence that being who gave them life and worship Him through adoration, prayer, and thanksgiving will make choices different from those who do not.

Those who believe that man-kind are all of a family and that the most acceptable service of God is doing good to man will make choices different from those who do not.

Those who believe in a future state in which all that is made wrong will be made right will make many choices different from those who do not.

Those who subscribe to the morals of Jesus will make many choices different from those who do not.

Since the foundation of all happiness is thinking rightly, and since correct action is dependent on correct opinion, we cannot be too careful in choosing the value system we allow to govern our thoughts and actions.And to know that God governs in the affairs of men, that he hears and answers prayers, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him, is, indeed, a powerful regulator of human conduct”.

To begin this venture, my next column will discuss the event of “Collapse” to give us an idea of the process. I began my investigation in 2008 with this study.

This is very important because it will provide the basis to understanding the complexity of America’s  economy.

Also, it will reveal why recovery is so illusive.

May this exercise be meaningful to both you and me; and, Christians take heed of 2 Chronicles 7:14.

 

By Aaron Russell Sr.