remember those that are in bonds ...
Monday, March 17, 2014 at 3:00AM 
The Bible tells us in Hebrews 13:3:
Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them; and them which suffer adversity, as being yourselves
Yes we should remember those that are in bonds, they risk losing their investment as interest rates go up. This is because, while the face value of a bond stays the same, as interest rates rise the amount that an investor will pay for that income stream drops. If the investor holds the bond to maturity they may not think they have a loss, but they have. It is particularly hard on those who buy bond funds as the loss is immediately priced into the investment. If the investor sells, the loss is realized for tax purposes. Yes, as the Bible tells us, those that are in bonds will suffer adversity.
Bonds ... James BondsWhile in normal circumstances an investor would want a mix of assets, in the current investment environment holding any long term "paper" will lead to adversity, it is only a matter of time. So obey the Bible and feel sympathy for those who are bond investors, and avoid holding bonds as an investment.
So I can almost see the frown on your face as you read. You are asking yourself, "Is he really saying that the Bible is teaching against bond investment at this time?" No, I am not saying that. I am parodying a certain style of pop theology popularized by Rick Warren. Warren will take a scripture, choosing the Bible version carefully, and use it as a linchpin for some other point. It is not that the point that the pop theologian advances is wrong, it is that the Bible verse quoted is not talking about that, just as the author of Hebrews is not discussing bond investment.
As I continue my health series I will be discussing Rick Warren's entry into the health guru field. As should be no surprise Warren bases his diet on a misinterpretation of the Bible. The diet itself is not bad, but it has nothing to do with the Bible. I will review The Daniel Plan on Wednesday.
Until then, obey the Bible and sell any bond investment you might have.
Economics 
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