Customer Reviews

Enough, paperback version: Discovering Joy through Simplicity and Generosity

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(8)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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

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.

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.

I was disappointed with this book. A great concept and some very good content, but I was hoping Adam would push the conversation of simplicity and generosity further and challenge me in the ways that someone like Shane Claiborne or Matthew Sleeth has. A good intro to the topics, but not enough to really shake things up for a die-hard consumer.

Adam Hamilton's "Enough" is about changing the way we think about and use our financial resources. Based on Biblical principles of tithing and financial practices, Hamilton offers sound advice that aptly applies to today's world. "Enough" is about making responsible decisions with your finances by simplifying your life and being generous with what you have been given.

Many people today live far beyond their means, as evidenced by the various financial crises facing our nation and the rampant credit card debt that a vast majority of families face. We live in a culture of have it now, pay for it later, which has only helped to splinter families, as financial distress is a major factor in failed relationships. Adam Hamilton examines how this desire to have more in our materialistic culture has not led to happiness but to greater stress and fear about the future. He lays out a straightforward plan on how to get your finances in order and how you can use what you have been given to glorify God.

While Hamilton may argue that this book is not only about tithing, a vast majority of it is dedicated to this Biblical principle. Hamilton uses his own personal experiences as well as anecdotes from people he knows to illustrate how we can become content with what we have and learn to prepare for the unexpected without being consumed by financial worry. While this is a Christian book, one does not need to be a Christian to recognize that the advice Hamilton offers is sound and extremely relevant for today's world.

Enough Discovering Joy Through Simplicity and Generosity
Adam Hamilton
Abingdon Press
2009
ISBN-13:978-1-426-70233-4

Reviewed by Cindy Loven

Enough, is a book that explores the reason that America and Americans face horrible debt problems, the book deals with the reasons that many face financial crisis, and the Biblical answers to facing and overcoming those crises

The beginning of the book, explores and explains "affluenza"or the keeping up with the Jones syndrome, and how credit cards and easy mortgages, car loans,etc have fed these "viruses" as the author calls them, he presents Biblical solutions to dealing with our desire to acquire. The author also presents some reasons that we overspend, and how to strategically overcome these problems, firstly discovering what our purpose in life is, then setting goals for our life and then developing a plan.
Also presented are 6 steps to overcoming financial crises, with tithing and offering being the first step of the six steps. There is also a budget worksheet that shows the average percentage of your income should go to each area of your bills.

Enough, is a easy read that can help you to overcome debt and financial problems, based on Biblical principles. You are advised to cultivate self contentment, to overcome restless heart syndrome, and to practice of self control in your life. This book is a helpful tool if applied to your financial situations of life. Each chapter ends with a Thinking it Through section with questions, and scriptures to apply the principles presented. I give this book a 4 star rating. 110 pages.

My church (Methodist) is doing a four-part sermon series on this book. I live rather simply and generously, but still found was able to take some new ideas out of this book. There are a lot of nice biblical references in this book, and a lot of parts where Adam asks you to stop and be honest with yourself. I recommend this book to anyone, especially those that have problems with living simply and being on a budget.

Wish that I had read this years ago!!!!! Everything that was said really hit home with me. It will take a while to change a life time of bad habits, but I am changing, one day at a time! This book was a big help. I really think twice before I purchase anything new now---do I REALLY need it?

I really enjoyed this little book. It is only about 100 pages and very readable. It offers a good perspective for dealing with our possessions--nothing we haven't heard before, but presented in a thought-provoking way. I bought four copies to give to family members. This is an issue that most of us need to deal with, since Americans are especially known for having so much 'stuff.'

Enough is a great book that captures the idea of simplifying our lives and learning to be more generous. I don't know that it included anything "new", but the approach of this book is so accessible that I found it gave me new insights into my continuing effort to keep my priorities in order. I particularly like that it was infused throughout with scripture, which guided the discussion. This kept me focused on the fact that this is not a typical "self-help" book filled with psycho-babble...it is guided by God's Word. I think it would be a great resource for a Sunday School class or anyone who is seeking to step out of the pursuit of accumulating "stuff" and a life focused on money. To realize that God has a different plan for us and to actively change our priorities accordingly is what this book is all about. I HIGHLY recommend it!