Societal Corporate Charter for the Righteous of the Kingdom

FideO

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Psalm 37 — The righteous are always generous and lend freely. Proverbs 19 — He who lends to the poor lends to the Lord. Deuteronomy 15 — You will lend to many nations but will borrow from none. Matthew 25 — To one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one, each according to his ability. Psalm 15 — Who does not put out his money at interest. He who does these things shall never be moved. Exodus 22 — Do not be like a moneylender to him; you shall not charge him interest. Leviticus 25 — Take no interest from him or profit, but fear your God, that your brother may live beside you. Matthew 25 — Cast that unprofitable servant into outer darkness. Psalm 37 — The righteous are always generous and lend freely. Proverbs 19 — He who lends to the poor lends to the Lord. Deuteronomy 15 — You will lend to many nations but will borrow from none. Matthew 25 — To one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one, each according to his ability. Psalm 15 — Who does not put out his money at interest. He who does these things shall never be moved. Exodus 22 — Do not be like a moneylender to him; you shall not charge him interest. Leviticus 25 — Take no interest from him or profit, but fear your God, that your brother may live beside you. Matthew 25 — Cast that unprofitable servant into outer darkness.
Credit

Credit

Credit; an entrusting of resource from one party to another.

The nature of the problem of credit goes back to the Garden of Eden.

God gives Adam charge of resources. We define this as the initial credit to mankind beyond life.

The Initial Credit
"Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it." God blessed them and charged them with dominion over creation. This is the first entrusting of resource. — Genesis 1
Credit: The Problem Aptly

Credit:
The Problem Aptly

Simply, there are two kinds of borrowers:

Good ones and bad ones.

What makes a bad one? Well, he loses the investment by means of foolishness; he proves his lack of ability. (Matthew 25)

Now, a bad one is not always a malicious one, but a malicious one is always a bad one.

What makes a good one? He makes more with what is given and gives an increase. He also is of significant ability. (Matthew 25)

The Good Borrower
Makes more with what is given. Returns an increase. Demonstrates significant ability. Proves himself a worthy steward.
The Bad Borrower
Loses the investment through foolishness. Proves his lack of ability. A malicious one is always a bad one — though a bad one is not always malicious.
Usury: The Problem Historically and Currently

Usury:
The Problem Historically and Currently

Historically, the problem with the Law of God and Borrowers is Usury.

"If you lend money to any of My people who are poor among you, you shall not be like a moneylender to him; you shall not charge him interest." — Exodus 22:25

This is not a prohibition on lending money.

Nor is this a prohibition on interest; for if it was we have a problem with God wanting Adam to be fruitful and multiply.

In our current society, the working man pays for the frauds.

The Distinction
The prohibition is not on lending. The prohibition is not on interest. The prohibition is specifically on charging a stated rate to one who is needy. This is what Scripture identifies as usury.
Usury: The Problem Historically and Currently

Usury:
The Problem Historically and Currently

Historically, the problem with the Law of God and Borrowers is Usury. This has been defined in the past as:

Definition 1
Charging any interest — this disagrees with God.
Definition 2
Charging interest egregiously — this is subjective.
Definition 3
Interest but not unjust interest — this is subjective.
Definition 4
Interest only charged to those not of your race — this is subjective.
What is the way to avoid Usury in all instances?
Well, there's a better way…
Proposition
Interest is Voluntary.

The position of the Sons of God.

Proposition

Proposition

We believe this is the position of the Sons of God.

We want to create a decentralized network of Christians linked by faith in Christ and building the Kingdom of God in this way.

Each one, a man under his own vine and fig tree, each man a brick in the City of God shining with all his brothers for all to praise his Father in Heaven.

We believe there are two types of brothers, technically three: Able, Needy, None.

Able
A borrower who has proved his stewardship through the fruit of his actions.
Needy
A borrower in genuine need; to be helped with credit sufficient to restore his ability.
None
A bad actor who has proved himself unworthy by malice aforethought. Banishment from membership follows.
Proposition

Proposition:
Our Definitions

We need to do some explaining about our definitions for our framework. With three definitions of a borrower, we have a problem…

1. Credit
An entrusting of resource from one party to another.
2. Interest
More credit than what is given.
3. Usury
A stated rate of return on credit to a needy brother.
4. Usurer
A giver of stated rate of return on credit to a needy brother.
5. Borrower
A receiver of credit.
6. Borrower
Needy brother.
7. Borrower
Able brother.
8. Lender
A giver of credit.
The Problem with Three Definitions
It can be unknown if someone is a needy brother based on their actions at the time credit is extended. This is the core tension that must be resolved without committing usury.
Proposition

Proposition

That's right, there is a problem.

It can be unknown if someone is a needy brother based on their actions.

So, what do we do? Well, we wait, as our Father does, to see what fruit they bear.

That might look something like this…

The Resolution
Because identity as needy or able may be unknown at the outset, no interest is stated or charged to any borrower. Interest is returned voluntarily by those who prove themselves able — as the fruit of their stewardship. There is no usury in any case.
Usury Matrix

Usury Matrix

Every possible scenario yields the same result. In no case does usury occur within the FideO framework.

Known Status Means / Intent Made / Lost Money Ability to Repay Resulting Identity Status of Interest
AbleGoodMade MoneyHas AbilityAble BrotherValid — Voluntary freewill; No Usury
AbleGoodLost MoneyNo AbilityNeedy BrotherVoid — Cannot repay; No Usury
NeedyGoodMade MoneyHas AbilityAble BrotherValid — Voluntary freewill; No Usury
NeedyEvilEitherEitherNone BrotherVoid — Is as not; No Usury
AbleEvilLost MoneyHas AbilityNeedy / Non-BrotherVoid — Is as not; No Usury
AbleEvilLost MoneyNo AbilityNeedy / Non-BrotherVoid — Is as not; No Usury
AbleEvilMade MoneyN/ANon-BrotherVoid — Is as not; No Usury
AbleNo EvilLost MoneyNo AbilityNeedy BrotherVoid — Is as not; No Usury
AbleNo EvilLost MoneyHas AbilityAble BrotherValid — Voluntary freewill; No Usury
So, your plan?

So, your plan?

So we created a platform, available through a website and mobile application that is a reputation-based network directory and payment system based on good faith and sacrifice.

This requires, to be a member, you have to be guaranteed by two other members.

If you sin against God in sin that leads to death, you will be removed as a member.

Your character will make up your FideO Score.

The Platform
Website and mobile application. A reputation-based network directory and payment system built on good faith and sacrifice.
The FideO Score
Your character — proved through the track record of your stewardship — is the foundation of all credit extended within the Body.
How does our solution solve this problem?

How does our solution
solve this problem?

The problem is the bad borrowers.

In the current system, the good borrowers pay for the bad borrowers. The bad borrowers drain the net social credit seen in survey of neighbors.

This alleviates this by lowering default rates and default premium, which lowers rates of interest charged to the good borrowers, which therein also increases demand for credit.

Trust.

Faith.

The Mechanism
When every member is personally vouched for by two others who have put their own funds at risk, default rates fall. When default rates fall, the cost of credit for good borrowers falls with them. The entire Body is blessed through the fidelity of each member.
Tiers of Users

Tiers of Users

Member
Member
Full privilege access to FideO Product Suite; must be guaranteed by two members; guarantee needed.
  • + FideO Social Network
  • + FideO Credit / Lending
  • + FideO Contracts
  • + FideO Arbitration
  • + FideO Escrow
  • + Deposit account, card control, card, programs
  • + Savings account, internal and external payment transfers by card / account
  • + ACCU programs, lending
Associate
Associate
Limited product suite; account holder of FideO; no guarantee needed. For those who have bank accounts but are not eligible for membership but still want to support FideO.
  • Social Network
  • Credit / Lending (Member tier)
  • + Deposit account, card control, card, programs
  • + Savings account
  • + Internal and external payment transfers by card / account
  • + Access to ACCU programs
  • + Lending
Infrastructure

Infrastructure

FideO will be the creator of the social network and payments software.

It will be connected and built upon the Banking Software API provided by America's Christian Credit Union (ACCU).

FideO's account will be the holder of funds at ACCU for internal and external transfers. External transfers reconciled on ACCU transfers; internal transfers reconciled on FideO ledger.

Data for these transactions and all user data will be as private as can be and accessible only locally.

Associates Product Suite
Deposit account, card control, card, programs, savings account, internal and external payment transfers by card / account, access to ACCU programs, lending.
Members Product Suite
FideO Social Network — FideO Credit / Lending — FideO Contracts — FideO Arbitration — FideO Escrow — plus all Associate products, ACCU programs, lending.
Current State of the Problem

Current State
of the Problem

44%
Trust in neighbors has also declined, with 44% saying they trust all or most of the people in their neighborhood — compared to 52% in 2015.
Pew Research
38%
Trust in others has fallen 38% in the last 50 years.
Roanoke College — Virginia Trust Index

The social credit that once held communities together has been systematically eroded. The network that once held men accountable — neighbors, churches, communities — has collapsed.

FideO proposes a restoration of that network, grounded not in the social capital of the world but in the covenant bonds of the Kingdom of God.

When men know each other, are vouched for by one another, and bear the consequences of each other's faithfulness, trust is not assumed — it is earned, witnessed, and permanent.

Full Document

Societal Corporate Charter
For the Righteous of the Kingdom

Preamble
Preamble

Herein contains the structure for the benefit of the societal gatherings of the righteous and therein for giving and receiving of credit as after the immortal and immutable God in trinity of Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

We count ourselves blessed to be in consideration herein for the providence of God's holy people and by His same provide that which accords us fellowship into obedience for the glory of Christ and as given in priority of worship through love of God and love for thy neighbor.

Definitions
Charter for FideO — Definitions
Credit
An entrusting of resource from one party to another.
Interest
More credit than what is given.
Usury
A stated rate of return on credit to a needy brother.
Userer
A giver of stated rate of return on credit to a needy brother.
Borrower
A receiver of credit.
Borrower
Needy brother.
Borrower
Able brother.
Lender
A giver of credit.
Term
Amount of time.
Body
The righteous in the Kingdom of God and known to all men as the members of Optimal Fidelity.
Chapter
Groups as subsidiary particles of the Body.
Adjudication
Judgement rendered by presiding members of the Body.
Adjudicators
Presiding members of the Body for handling of disputes for the purpose of reconciliation of the Body for the glory of Christ.
Short Term
Less than 7 years without property; less than 7 years with property.
Long Term
More than 7 years and not greater than 49 and with property; more than 7 years and not greater than 49 and without property.
Member
A man of member status on FideO.
Guarantor
Character witness of a Member on FideO with a financial guarantee.
Associate
A person having placed their funds with FideO.
Principal
Principal
  • Genesis 1
    God blessed them and said to them, "Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it."
  • Psalm 37
    The righteous are always generous and lend freely.
  • Psalm 37
    The wicked borrow and do not repay, but the righteous give generously.
  • Proverbs 19
    He who lends to the poor lends to the Lord.
  • Matthew 25
    To one he gave five talents, to another two talents, and to another one talent, each according to his ability.
  • Deuteronomy 15
    At the end of every seven years you must cancel debts. This is how it is to be done: Every creditor shall cancel the loan he has made to his fellow Israelite. He shall not require payment from his fellow Israelite or brother, because the Lord's time for canceling debts has been proclaimed. You may require payment from a foreigner, but you must cancel any debt your brother owes you. However, there should be no poor among you, for in the land the LORD your God is giving you to possess as your inheritance, he will richly bless you, if only you fully obey the LORD your God and are careful to follow all these commands I am giving you today. For the LORD your God will bless you as he promised and you will lend to many nations but will borrow from none. You will rule over many nations but none will rule over you. If there is a poor man among your brothers in any of the towns of the land that the LORD your God is giving you, do not be hardhearted or tightfisted toward your poor brother. Rather be openhanded and freely lend him whatever he needs. Be careful not to harbor this wicked thought "The seventh year, the year for canceling debts, is near" so that you do not show ill will toward your needy brother and give him nothing. He may then appeal to the LORD against you, and you will be found guilty of sin. Give generously to him and do so without a grudging heart; then because of this the LORD your God will bless you in all your work and in everything you put your hand to. There will always be poor people in the land. Therefore I command you to be openhanded toward your brothers and toward the poor and needy in your land.
  • Exodus 22
    If you lend money to one of my people among you who is needy, do not be like a moneylender; charge him no interest. If you take your neighbor's cloak as a pledge, return it to him by sunset, because his cloak is the only covering he has for his body. What else will he sleep in? When he cries out to me, I will hear, for I am compassionate.
  • Leviticus 25
    The land must not be sold permanently, because the land is mine and you are but aliens and my tenants.
  • Leviticus 25
    If your brother becomes poor and cannot maintain himself with you, you shall support him as though he were a stranger and a sojourner, and he shall live with you. Take no interest from him or profit, but fear your God, that your brother may live beside you. You shall not lend him your money at interest, nor give him your food for profit. I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt to give you the land of Canaan, and to be your God.
  • Leviticus 19
    Do not use dishonest standards when measuring length, weight or quantity. Use honest scales and honest weights, an honest ephah and an honest hin. I am the LORD your God who brought you out of Egypt.
  • Psalm 15
    O LORD, who shall sojourn in your tent? Who shall dwell on your holy hill? He who walks blamelessly and does what is right and speaks truth in his heart; who does not slander with his tongue and does no evil to his neighbor, nor take up a reproach against his friend; in whose eyes a vile person is despised, but who honors those who fear the LORD; who swears to his own hurt and does not change; who does not put out his money at interest and does not take a bribe against the innocent. He who does these things shall never be moved.
  • Matthew 5
    You have heard that it was said, "Love your neighbor and hate your enemy." But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.
  • Genesis 1
    God blessed them and said to them, "Be fruitful and increase in number."
  • Malachi 2
    Have we not all one Father? Has not one God created us? Why do we deal treacherously with one another by profaning the covenant of our Fathers? He seeks godly offspring.
  • Deuteronomy 15
    For the LORD thy God blesseth thee as He promised thee; and thou shalt lend unto many nations, but thou shalt not borrow; and thou shalt reign over many nations, but they shall not reign over thee.
  • Matthew 25
    And cast that unprofitable servant into outer darkness.
Proposal
Proposal

In accord with the above and numerous others;

  • A
    Let it be proposed that there is an initial giver, the Father;
  • B
    Let it be proposed that God takes interest in us that we would bear interest through multiplication and fruitfulness;
  • C
    Let it be proposed that the children of God also give as their Father does;
  • D
    Let it be proposed that the righteous love to give to God before any other;
  • E
    Let it be proposed that the righteous take what is given and voluntarily make more for the master with joy;
  • F
    Let it be proposed that the righteous love to take what they have been given and to give more unto the Lord;
  • G
    Let it be proposed that there is not a prohibition of lending;
  • H
    Let it be proposed that there is not a prohibition of lending to the needy;
  • I
    Let it be proposed that there is not a prohibition of lending;
  • J
    Let it be proposed that there is not a prohibition of repaying with interest voluntarily and full of will;
  • K
    Let it be proposed that there is a prohibition of stating and charge of return to the needy;
  • L
    Let it be proposed that there is a prohibition of giving a stated amount of repayment to the one who is needy which is Usury;
  • M
    Let it be proposed that it can be unknown who a needy brother is at the beginning of credit as that may not have proved out yet and so interest is not to be charged nor stated for anyone receiving credit but made voluntarily by the borrower so as to not commit Usury;
  • N
    Let it be proposed that it can be known who an able brother is, as that will have proved itself out in the matters of credit having been extended to him and borne interest and therefore even more credit can be extended to him;
  • O
    Let it be proposed that an able brother could become a needy brother in genuine;
  • P
    Let it be proposed that an able brother could become a needy brother ingenuinely;
  • Q
    Let it be proposed that a needy brother could become an able brother in genuine;
  • R
    Let it be proposed that a needy brother could become an able brother ingenuinely;
  • S
    Let it be proposed that a needy brother ought to want to become an able brother;
  • T
    Let it be proposed the wicked would want to become either a needy brother or as an able brother as to which is the more advantageous for periods of time with malice aforethought and or with negligent ignorance and for such is banishment from membership;
  • U
    Let it be proposed that a needy brother is to be helped with credit and in that amount which would allow him to become an able brother again for the glory of God and not more and not less;
  • V
    Let it be proposed that if a one who is a known able brother, who having been trusted with credit, by means of good ways proves himself a worthy steward as to pay back those that have entrusted him when he does have ability to do such, he has proved himself to be an able brother and the interest that he would pay by voluntarily freewill as an able brother otherwise is good and therein there is no Usury;
  • W
    Let it be proposed that if a one who is a known needy brother, who having been trusted with credit, by means of good ways proves himself a worthy steward as to pay back those that have entrusted him when he does have ability to do such, he has proved himself to be an able brother and the interest that he would pay by voluntarily freewill as an able brother otherwise is good and therein there is no Usury;
  • X
    Let it be proposed that if a one who is a known able brother, who having been trusted with credit, by means of evil ways proves himself an unworthy steward as to not pay back those that have entrusted him when he does have ability to do such, he has proved himself to be a needy brother and not a brother and the interest that he would pay by voluntarily freewill as an able brother otherwise is as not and therein there is no Usury;
  • Y
    Let it be proposed that if a one who is a known able brother, who having been trusted with credit, by means of evil ways proves himself an unworthy steward as to not pay back those that have entrusted him when he does not have ability to do such, he has proved himself to be a needy brother and not a brother and the interest that he would pay by voluntarily freewill as an able brother otherwise is as not and therein there is no Usury;
  • Z
    Let it be proposed that if a one who is a known able brother proves himself to be an unworthy steward by no means of evil and also does not have ability pay back those that have entrusted him he has proved himself to be a needy brother and the interest that he would pay by voluntarily freewill as an able brother otherwise is as not and therein there is no Usury;
  • Let it be proposed that if a one who is a known able brother proves himself to be an unworthy steward by no means of evil and also does have ability pay back those that have entrusted him he has proved himself to be an able brother and the interest that he would pay voluntarily as an able brother is as by voluntary freewill and therein there is no Usury;
  • Let it be proposed that for Proposition W, the funds available to FideO in this matter and as with guarantees shall make such parties whole in attempt;
  • Let it be proposed that a needy brother has a reputation of being a needy brother that all may know him, pity him and help him, and that his credit may be that of a needy brother and not that of an able brother;
  • Let it be proposed that it is wicked to be unprofitable, even as a needy brother;
  • Let it be proposed that an able brother can state voluntarily the interest he could repay at the beginning of extension of credit;
  • Let it be proposed that the Borrower does not set the amount they may receive but the master and those of the master's will set the amount according to ability;
  • Let it be proposed the term for lending is 7 years;
  • Let it be proposed the term for short term lending is homogenous in point in cycle across the Body;
  • Let it be proposed that the wicked borrow and do not repay;
  • Let these proposals be established in effort to describe the Spirit of the Law.
Policy
Policy
  • Establish fidelity within the Body of brothers of those that work in and for the Kingdom of God;
  • Establish the Body by two or three witnesses as guarantors;
  • Establish endorsement of guarantors with sacrifice given by the individuals making the guarantee as necessary;
  • Establish funds to be lent to FideO that may be lent out within the Body;
  • Establish permanence of guarantees; if an endorsement is removed an investigation is conducted to be established by two witnesses also who are in good standing; the members of endorsement for the two witnesses but also reaffirm their endorsement; this policy shall allow for knowing your brother;
  • Of the brothers, establish groups based on geography and commonality;
  • Of the brothers, for continued membership, there must not be a breaking of God's Law as adjudicated by FideO.
Implementation
Implementation
  • A member may be a member after receiving guarantee which is the two witnesses placing funds with FideO for him;
  • An associate may be an associate after placing funds lent to FideO;
  • A member may not be treated as such until such time as having the funds on his behalf be placed;
  • The funds lent in FideO on a member's behalf by the guarantors shall be placed in credit of high quality for the growth of such credit;
  • A member may not have received the funds they staked for a different prospective member from the same prospective member;
  • The funds on deposit on behalf of a member may be held in trust of FideO for bearing interest in the Kingdom of God;
  • Members who do business with one another, even across chapters, inside of the contractual ability through FideO agree to have disputes settled within the arbitration of the Body;
  • Members who do business with one another, even across chapters, outside of the contractual ability through FideO agree to arbitration within the Body;
  • Members who do business with a non-member, even across chapters, outside of the contractual ability through FideO agree to arbitration within the Body on the matter.
Membership Requirement

Statement of Faith

What do you believe and attest to with your life and by its actions?

I believe in God the Father Almighty, maker of Heaven and Earth. I believe in Jesus Christ his Son Our Lord, who was conceived of the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried. He descended into hell, on the third day He rose again from the dead, He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of God the Father Almighty, from there He will come to judge the living and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Holy Catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body and the life everlasting. Amen.

— The Apostles' Creed, as affirmed by every FideO Member
You affirm and believe that
  • 1
    the Bible, consisting of the Old and New Testaments, is the only inspired, infallible, inerrant and authoritative written Word of God;
  • 2
    there is one God, eternally existent in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit;
  • 3
    in the deity of our Lord Jesus Christ, his virgin birth, his sinless life, his miracles, his vicarious and atoning death through his shed blood, his bodily resurrection, his ascension to the right hand of the Father, and his personal return in power and glory;
  • 4
    that for the salvation of lost and sinful people, regeneration by the Holy Spirit is absolutely necessary;
  • 5
    that a person is justified by grace alone through the Lord Jesus Christ alone;
  • 6
    in the present ministry of the Holy Spirit by whose indwelling the Christian is enabled to live a godly and righteous life, bearing the fruit consistent with the life of a son of God;
  • 7
    in the resurrection of both the saved and the lost — those who are saved, unto the resurrection of life, and those who are lost, unto the resurrection of damnation; and
  • 8
    in the spiritual unity of believers in our Lord Jesus Christ and his church.
  • 9
    that I am a born again believer in Jesus Christ and a man of faith in Him.
  • 10
    if I am lying about my true belief in these aforementioned, I accept my deceitfulness as him who says that "I am safe, though I persist in going my own way" and I hereby acknowledge that if I have acted falsely in this testimony, I acknowledge fully that I am a blemish of the love feast, a false teacher, a curse on the watered land as well as the dry, a shepherd who feeds only himself, a cloud without rain, an autumn tree without fruit, uprooted and twice dead, wild wave of the sea, foamer of shame, denier of Christ, blasphemer of the Holy Spirit, and son of the accuser and I ask that Christ Jesus reserve blackest judgement for me as I have demonstrated to be a lover of deceit while knowing the truth.

Each man a brick
in the City of God.

A decentralized network of Christians, each under his own vine and fig tree, shining together for all to praise the Father in Heaven.

Membership requires a Statement of Faith and two member guarantors. — Read the full statement