Faithful Finances 101: From the Poverty of Fear and Greed to the Riches of Spiritual Investing [ハードカバー]

It was a real treat to find Faithful Finances 101 recently.

I was a Baptist pastor for 17 years and am now an Investment Representative with Edward Jones. It is difficult to find responsible, wholistic, and positive investment advice from a Christian perspective.

I appreciate the clear and precise critique of popular economic and investment perspectives prevalent among many Christians today. It was especially helpful that Moore was willing to name those with whom he disagrees. Unfortunately, there is often no other way to encapsulate a differing viewpoint than to name the teacher of that viewpoint (for example, Larry Burkett). I know this can be perceived negatively, but it seems to me that when a person is so distinctly identified with a particular point of view, the use of the name speaks much more to the teaching than the person. The critique was far from personal and dealt constructively with ideas that are often presented as the "Christian" point of view.

I suspect Moore has received some criticism for his differing viewpoint and the method he used. Hopefully, his approach will be seen as a constructive and challenging voice in what it means to live as a responsible Christian steward. I certainly saw it as helpful. It is troubling that these days thoughtful debate is often taboo. Perhaps we will come to a place in the future where differing voices are seen as different facets of the diamond rather than heretical thoughts.

For some reason, so many people forget how consistently wrong some of these negative Christians perspectives have been through the years. I suppose anything could happen in the future--as the old saying goes, "even a broken clock is right twice a day." But there is biblical wisdom that speaks to a different reality consistent with the investment market--one that is full of long term hope and possibility. The chapter on the 'Creativity of the Patriarchs' sent my mind thinking of the multitude of biblical examples concerning the responsible creation of wealth and stewardship in the world. Abraham diversified. Jeremiah bought on the worst day of the market. Solomon expanded boundaries. Nehemiah built an incredible organization and navigated challenging circumstances through creative leadership. Paul was an entrepreneurial businessman while doing ministry. Jesus taught that responsible investing is tantamount to kingdom living, and showed that self giving is the ultimate investment. There are many more but time does not permit.

We live in an incredibly challenging environment to live as responsible stewards in the world. There seems to be an exceedingly thin slice somewhere between negative Christian voices and a hostile, unethical world where Moore's wholistic Christian voice for responsible stewardship can navigate.

Thinking evangelical Christians should find this book helpful. So would any other thinking person. Gary Moore brings his personal experiences, profound wisdom, and deep spirituality together to strip away the smoke and mirrors that all too often confuse people both spiritually and financially. He never promises riches. He does provide a firm, spiritually-oriented foundation that should help most people do very constructive things for others and themselves with their financial resources.

Some of what he has to say is the insight he has gained as a financial advisor and student of theology. Some is time-honored common sense. Sadly, as he reveals, too often religious and other leaders have advocated other paths, and the results may have been painful for those who took their advice.
Virtually anyone, from the wealthiest to those with very modest incomes, can find something in this volume which will be helpful and not difficult to follow. Moore empowers by giving the reader possibilities into what he or she may personally do to be a responsible steward, and his approaches literally work around the world. If you want to strengthen or renew your hope in your faith, yourself, and your world then "Faithful Finances 101" is an excellent place to start.

I have read many books on finances that you would find on the shelves of Christian bookstores. Some are biblical and give good advice. Many feed greed and fear motives and do little to help people integrate financial concepts into their daily lives. Gary's book does an excellent job at two things:

1. Accurately describing a biblical worldview of money. As he so often points out in this book, Christians have been told to give 10% to their local church. But few have been trained how to be a good steward of all the money, talent, time and health that God blesses us with.

2. Challenging conventional ideas in the "Christian" media that feed on fears- Y2K for example- or greeds- the give/ to get mentality that many unbiblical ministers promote. Gary does a terrific job of presenting a balanced and passionate way to live and think about money that is honoring to Christ.

I consider it sad when many in the church recommend books such as Rich Dad/ Poor Dad- a worldview that is not even remotely biblical. I would love to see every concerned Christian read, meditate on, and implement the ideas that Gary presents in this book. Every disciple of Christ that is interested in growing in the understanding of stewardship should buy and read this book.

Ashley Hodge, CFP
Dallas, Texas