Jesus and Money: A Guide for Times of Financial Crisis [Hardcover]

Ben III Witherington (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 1, 2010

In the wake of a sobering global recession, many Christians realize they need to rethink their approach to money. Respected New Testament scholar Ben Witherington clearly and concisely examines what the Bible does--and doesn't--say about money. Along the way, he critiques the faith promise and health-and-wealth approaches to these issues, showing what good stewardship of God's possessions really looks like. (62)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

In this comprehensive review of statements in the Bible about economics, wealth and poverty, New Testament scholar and author Witherington (The Brother of Jesus) analyzes canonical texts and their contemporary applications for Christians. Aiming to help the faithful avoid perils of selective misuse of scripture (the sin of prosperity preachers who focus on the Jabez prayer and isolated wealth proverbs), Witherington uses a creation theology lens: all things ultimately belong to God. While acknowledging the wisdom of Old Testament guidance, the author urges a New Testament theology of stewardship and giving, which calls Christians, guided by the Lord's Prayer, beyond tithing to sacrificial giving. 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. (Jan.)
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From the Inside Flap

"In Jesus and Money, Ben Witherington has done something that is not nearly as easy as it looks: he has presented a clear, accessible, and carefully balanced Christian view of wealth. He draws from a range of scholars of different theological stripes, embracing necessary complexities while ruling out popular views that are simply untenable. This will be of help to any church group that wants to take an honest look at what the Bible teaches us about money."--Sondra Ely Wheeler, Martha Ashby Carr Professor of Christian Ethics, Wesley Theological Seminary

"This timely book blends Witherington's exegetical skill and his pastoral concern to address a very relevant issue. His interpretations of various passages reveal the complexity of issues involved in interpreting and applying texts about money that many take for granted. While this work is a welcome retort to the Scripture-twisting of prosperity preachers, it will also challenge many who have been living large without sustained theological reflection on their lifestyle."--Craig Keener, professor of New Testament, Palmer Seminary

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 192 pages
• Publisher: Brazos Press; 1 edition (January 1, 2010)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1587432749
• ISBN-13: 978-1587432743
• Product Dimensions: 8.6 x 5.7 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #396,357 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Bible scholar Ben Witherington is Amos Professor of New Testament for Doctoral Studies at Asbury Theological Seminary and on the doctoral faculty at St. Andrews University in Scotland. A graduate of UNC, Chapel Hill, he went on to receive the M.Div. degree from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary and a Ph.D. from the University of Durham in England. He is now considered one of the top evangelical scholars in the world, and is an elected member of the prestigious SNTS, a society dedicated to New Testament studies.

Witherington has also taught at Ashland Theological Seminary, Vanderbilt University, Duke Divinity School and Gordon-Conwell. A popular lecturer, Witherington has presented seminars for churches, colleges and biblical meetings not only in the United States but also in England, Estonia, Russia, Europe, South Africa, Zimbabwe and Australia. He has also led tours to Italy, Greece, Turkey, Israel, Jordan, and Egypt.

Witherington has written over thirty books, including The Jesus Quest and The Paul Quest, both of which were selected as top biblical studies works by Christianity Today. He also writes for many church and scholarly publications, and is a frequent contributor to the Beliefnet website.

Along with many interviews on radio networks across the country, Witherington has been seen on the History Channel, NBC, ABC, CBS, CNN, The Discovery Channel, A&E, and the PAX Network.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fabulous, Fascinating, and Timely, May 21, 2010

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Marc Axelrod (Potter, Wi USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Jesus and Money: A Guide for Times of Financial Crisis (Hardcover)

This is one of Witherington's best books. It is a sharp critique of our materialistic, consumer oriented, self-centered society. The author takes proponents of the health wealth gospel to task and points out that financial resources are to be used to support the needs of our families and for the furtherance of the gospel message. Witherington expertly interprets both Old and New Testament texts related to money and possessions and challenges believers to live fiscally frugal lives for Christ. Highly recommended!

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars oustanding, June 24, 2010

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eleftheria "Althea" (Tsotili, Greece) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Jesus and Money: A Guide for Times of Financial Crisis (Hardcover)

Very well researched, the book is a welcoming relief from the guilt of not being one of 'God's favourites' in the misleading prosperity philosophy. The author convicts us not on the basis on not being rich enough because we do not have faith, but not giving enough away , not being good enough stewards of what God gave us.

The author combs the Scriptures for examples of the sayings of Jesus on money and being rich, and also Paul's attitude to work and accepting charity, harmonizing each statement carefully with other passages elsewhere in the Bible, both New and Old Testament. A worthy book.