TD Jakes and others ponder America's debt crisis

Christian leaders have responded to the crippling debt crisis that has left America languishing in fear of economic mess.

Political leaders broke months of stalemate to agree a debt deal that pleased no one and could not save it from an embarrassing credit downgrade last week.

As the national debt continues its climb past $14.5 trillion, Charismatic and evangelical Christian leaders are responding.

Megachurch pastor Bishop TD Jakes gave his thoughts, turning to Twitter to air his views.

The pastor of Potter’s House in Dallas said: “The whole system is out of control ... esteeming party and power over country!”

International evangelist Perry Stone, known for his end-time prophetic ministry, addressed the economic collapse on his website. He urged believers to look to God, not the government, in these tough times.

In his update, he also notes that the federal government couldn’t even begin to cover its debt - even if the richest of Americans were taxed 100 per cent of their earnings.

“This is why it is important to understand that the Church of Jesus Christ—that is, all believers—are part of a Kingdom that does not operate on this world's principles,” he wrote.

“Our kingdom is not of this world, although at this present time we are living in this world. We give our offerings, knowing it is up to God and not government to provide.”

Dave Ramsey, known for his biblical financial counsel and his recent push for “The Great Recovery”, compared the US government to the average family household.

In a recent Facebook post, Ramsey wrote: “If the US Government were a family and their household income was $55,000 per year, they’d actually be spending $96,500—$41,500 more than they made!

"That means they’re spending 175% of their annual income! So, in 2011 they’d add $41,500 of debt to their current credit card debt of $366,000!”