In the wake of a sobering global recession, many Christians realize they need to rethink their approach to money. Jesus and Money explores what the Bible does--and doesn't--say about money. Ben Witherington III clearly and concisely examines what Jesus and his earliest followers taught about wealth and poverty, money and debt, and tithing and sacrificial giving to help readers understand the proper role of money in modern Christian life. Along the way, he critiques the faith-promise and health-and-wealth approaches to these issues, showing what good stewardship of God's possessions truly looks like. All readers concerned about making sense of money in a world of economic uncertainty will value this book.
Praise for the Book
Publishers Weekly says, "In this comprehensive review of statements in the Bible about economics, wealth, and poverty, [Witherington] analyzes canonical texts and their contemporary applications for Christians. . . . From unpacking perplexing gospel stories like 'the dishonest steward' to offering concrete advice on how to separate from a culture of conspicuous consumption (discerning between necessities and luxuries and practicing debt forgiveness are among the practices he advocates), this cogent, accessible, scholarly analysis contributes to the current economic conversation and urgently calls people of faith to review and reform their role as God's stewards. Appendixes include popular Christian myths about money, and a powerful and apt 18th-century sermon on money by John Wesley."
Library Journal says, "Sadly pertinent to the current economic situation, this book examines Scripture with diligence and intelligence, seeking the teachings of Jesus and his followers on wealth, poverty, giving, and debt. Best of all, Witherington includes an appendix of ten myths about Christians and money that, rightly understood, are stinging rebukes to the adherents of the so-called Prosperity Gospel. . . . For all Witherington's scholarship, this work should nonetheless be accessible to most readers. It offers ample evidence for Witherington's assertions about what Jesus might have made of our current economic predicament."
Journal of Markets & Morality says, "Ben Witherington is a scholar who covers various financial topics well in Jesus and Money. His book is timely as people are distressed about money and are seeking biblical answers. Witherington works to provide those answers. . . . He deals knowledgeably with the Old and New Testament teachings on money and wealth. A strong point of the book is the background he provides so as to add color to the teachings. . . . This context and the biblical principles he derives are accurate and interesting."
Table of Contents
Prequel: Reconsidering the Value of Money in Hard Times
1. "In the Beginning God Created . . ." Getting Our Bearings
2. A King's Ransom: Proverbial Wisdom on Wealth
3. Money in the Bartering World of Jesus
4. Jesus and the Treasure Hunt
5. James's Rich Wisdom
6. Luke on Poverty and Wealth
7. Paul on Work, Remuneration, and the Love of Money
8. John of Patmos and the News Flash for the Merchants and Mr. 666
9. Toward a New Testament Theology of Stewardship, Money, and Giving
10. How to Deprogram Ourselves from a Lifestyle of Conspicuous Consumption and Self-Gratification
Appendix 1: Ten Christian Myths about Money
Appendix 2: John Wesley's Sermon "On the Use of Money"
[Link to Brazos site]
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