Enough, paperback version: Discovering Joy through Simplicity and Generosity [Paperback]

Adam Hamilton (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 2009

Money has great power in our lives. Used wisely, it is one key to accomplishing our goals, providing for our needs, and fulfilling our life purpose. In recent years, many of us ignored the wisdom of the past when it came to managing and spending our money. Credit card debt soared, savings rates plummeted, and our home equity became something to be tapped into and spent rather than a source of security in retirement. We felt an insatiable desire for more. And we found ourselves spending tomorrow’s money today in order to have what we hoped would satisfy. The result of all of this was not greater happiness and satisfaction, but greater stress and anxiety.

Enough is an invitation to rediscover the Bible’s wisdom when it comes to prudent financial practices. In these pages are found the keys to experiencing contentment, overcoming fear, and discovering joy through simplicity and generosity. This book could change your life, by changing your relationship with money.  

“We Americans love our stuff. We’re living in a fast-paced, me-first, instant-gratification world, and it’s finally catching up to us. Debt is out of control, homes are in foreclosure  ... even banks are going out of business. What the world needs today is the message of contentment and simplicity, and that’s exactly what Pastor Adam Hamilton delivers in Enough.”
Dave Ramsey, New York Times Best-Selling Author and Nationally Syndicated Radio Talk Show Host 

“Once again, Adam Hamilton is leading the church; ‘Enough is enough’ was once a Wesleyan watchword. Adam breathes new life into the Wesleyan commitment to simplicity. Amid a culture of greed and conspicuous consumption Adam calls us to a biblically based, evangelical joy of having the faith to say ‘enough is enough.’”
Bishop Will Willimon
United Methodist Church, Birmingham Area

“I pay close attention to whatever Adam Hamilton writes. His books are marked by extraordinary pastoral insight, biblical and theological depth, courage to speak the truth, and down-to-earth practicality. Enough comes like an antidote in the middle of a pandemic. I hope that classes, groups, couples, and individuals will use this book—and the economic crisis it addresses—as a challenge to get healthy again by deepening our discipleship in the vital area of money and possessions.”
Brian McLaren, Author/Networker (brianmclaren.net)

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Adam Hamilton is senior pastor of the United Methodist Church of the Resurrection in Leawood, Kansas, one of the fastest growing, most highly visible churches in the country. The Church Report  named Hamilton's congregation the most influential mainline church in America, and PBS’s Religion and Ethics Newsweekly identified him as one of the top “Ten People to Watch.” Hamilton is the best-selling and award-winning author of Why? Making Sense of God's Will, 24 Hours that Changed the World, Enough, When Christians Get It Wrong, Confronting the Controversies, Making Love Last a Lifetime, Unleashing the Word, Leading Beyond the Walls, Selling Swimsuits in the Arctic, Christianity and World Religions, Christianity's Family Tree and Seeing Gray in a World of Black and White, all published by Abingdon Press.

Product Details

• Paperback: 110 pages
• Publisher: Abingdon Press (February 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1426702337
• ISBN-13: 978-1426702334
• Product Dimensions: 6.8 x 5 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (16 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #58,923 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Adam Hamilton is senior pastor of the United Methodist Church of the Resurrection in Leawood, Kansas, one of the fastest growing, most highly visible churches in the country. The Church Report  named Hamilton's congregation the most influential mainline church in America, and PBS's Religion and Ethics Newsweekly identified him as one of the top "Ten People to Watch." Hamilton is the author of Confronting the Controversies, Making Love Last a Lifetime, Unleashing the Word, Leading Beyond the Walls, Selling Swimsuits in the Arctic, Christianity and World Religions, and Seeing Gray in a World of Black and White, all published by Abingdon Press.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Book, Great Author, Great Timing!, May 1, 2009

By 

William E Rice "Will" (San Antonio, Texas) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Enough, paperback version: Discovering Joy through Simplicity and Generosity (Paperback)

I seem to be creating an Adam Hamilton's theme but I am finally getting around to writing about his book Enough, Discovering Joy Through Simplicity and Generosity. I couldn't write about it right away because I wanted my wife to read it first. We both loved the book. It is not that it was the first book ever written on the subject, it is just the Hamilton has a great way of speaking simply and clearly about complex issues. He also has a way, in his preaching and writing, of convicting without offending. The role of a prophetic preacher is often to point out where we have gone astray. The problem is that we, being human, shrink back and stop listening or reading when someone really hits the nail on the head. I think that part of Hamilton's success is about his uncanny ability to speak the truth in love.

We are living in uncertain time economically. Uncertain times can cause us to reflect upon our focus and priorities and this is what the book is all about. Hamilton is too grounded to simplify this into saying "just give ten percent to the church and everything will be okay." This is about changing our relationship with money by focusing on our relationship with God. This is about making changes in the way we live that better reflect who we are.

The text is full of scripture references and there is something different about how Hamilton references the Bible. These are not just "proof texts" that mention money. They are texts that point out our need to refocus on God, our need to see that our brokenness and emptiness will never be cured by buying, owning and possessing. We are led to find our peace and contentment in God and be free to live life in simplicity and to share generously. The book is spiritual based, but when you get right down to it, it is practical. If you want to begin to change your lifestyle and relationship with stuff and money, Hamilton gives you "Five Steps for Simplifying Your Life."

I don't usually even get close to unconditionally recommending a book but you really ought to read this book. Whether you are living with the fear of economic uncertainty and need some wisdom or even if you seem to have that all together and just need guidance about how you might help someone you love, give this book a read. It won't take a whole lot of your time or your money. It is about 100 pages and you can pick it up for under 10 bucks.

Will Rice

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Great, timely little book!, March 18, 2009

By 

J. Myers (Dixon, CA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Enough, paperback version: Discovering Joy through Simplicity and Generosity (Paperback)

I really enjoyed this little book. It is timely and courageous. Through great Biblical wisdom it calls us all back to a way of living that is not only Christ-like, but wise and relevant for our times. I'm a pastor of a small church in California and I'm seriously considering purchasing a copy for everyone in my church.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars It is still a book about paying your tithe, October 26, 2010

By 

JMack (Chicago) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Enough, paperback version: Discovering Joy through Simplicity and Generosity (Paperback)

In the ultimate sense, this is still a book about tithing. Everything included in this book leads up to that principle. This is an honest assessment. Yet in the broader scope, the book has some advice that a lot of people may find practical.

The economy would not be in its current state if people and the country itself were not living beyond their means. With this in mind, Adam Hamilton gives practical advice for balancing your home budget. On the other hand, many of us are practical budget managers. Grant it, there are always things to cut from the budget. I could skip eating out once per week. I could buy cheap beer instead of good beer. These are things I may not be willing to do. This does not mean I can not make a healthy contribution to the church.

I do agree with the principle of giving back to the Lord. Hamilton states that if you can not give 10%, set a percentage of your budget to give to the Lord. Obviously, do not force the children to live on popcorn to meet the 10%. Make a commitment. We are blessed by what we share.

Perhaps the greatest flaw in the book is that it focuses on monetary gifts. Giving can also be of time or skill. One need not open his/her wallet to share with the Lord.