Investors Seek Financial, Spiritual Enrichment

April 1, 2006 — -- The Bible's main financial lesson may be to avoid debt, but a growing number of the faithful are taking the Bible's message a step further -- using it as a guide to blending faith and finance.

The Bible says the love of money is the root of all evil, but at a special financial seminar at the Free Church in Gainesville, Ga., worshippers are asked what their money management tells them about their walk with Christ.

"I choose to not let money rule my life," says Pat Turner, a member of Free Chapel Worship in Thomaston, Ga. "And I want to learn how to just do what the Lord wants me to do with my money -- not what I want to do with it."

Shane Moore from Clarksville, Ga., believes that "anything you're going through in life, you know you can always find the answer in the Bible -- and so just as well financial matters."

The Bible contains more references to money than to heaven. Crown Financial Ministries, which runs monthly seminars, says that makes the good book a good guide for all financial decisions.

Dane and Kristi Robertson of Flowery Branch, Ga., found a mutual fund that invests only in companies that adhere to their Christian values. Kristi says her choices are all about her faith and her children.

"I'm not out to boycott anyone," she says. "I'm just out to feel good about what I'm putting my money into, and to set a good example for my children."

The Robertsons turned to Christian financial planner Steve Walker, a fellow worshipper at their church. He asks his clients: "If you really believe God owns it all, do you think they he wants his money invested in abortion, pornography and the gay agenda?"

Nearly all religious funds screen out companies involved in alcohol, tobacco, pornography and gambling.

Many also bar companies involved in abortion, or companies that offer same-sex benefits to employees.

But there are dozens of funds, and they can be highly specialized: