Timeless rules of exchange. Christianity. 📜🗺️

Christianity in general and the New Testament in particular does not directly consider barter transaction as an economic mechanism, Christian teaching forms a certain ethical basis on which any form of transaction, including barter, should be built.

Christianity does not reject material relations, but like all major religions, is focused on the moral motives and intentions of the parties.

The basic principles of Christianity such as love for one's neighbor, honesty, mercy, justice and rejection of greed - are directly applicable to economic transactions. This is clearly stated, for example, in the Epistle to the Romans: "Owe no one anything except to love one another" (Rom. 13:8), as well as in the Gospel of Luke: "As you want people to do to you, do also to them likewise" (Luke 6:31).

Barter transaction, if it occurs by mutual consent, without deception, with respect for the other person, is fully consistent with Christian moral guidelines.

However, Christianity also warns of the danger that excessive attachment to material things and the desire for personal gain carry. The Gospel of Matthew says: "No one can serve two masters ... you cannot serve God and mammon" (Matthew 6:24).