Whilst the amount of extra money to be paid back (the interest rate) is regularly discussed, the morality of the system itself is seldom considered. Explicity forbidden in both the Bible and the Koran, the justification for charging interest is unclear. It is a mistake to see it as compensation for 'doing without' the money lent out. This would be to overlook the bankers' special privilege - they do not go without money. It is an imaginary, not a real good, and they can create any amount whenever they wish.

"When you or I write a check there must be sufficient funds in out account to cover the check, but when the Federal Reserve writes a check there is no bank deposit on which that check is drawn. When the Federal Reserve writes a check, it is creating money."     Putting it simply, Boston Federal Reserve Bank