The Good of Affluence: Seeking God in a Culture of Wealth

By John R. Schneider

Book Overview

How should Christians live in a material world? Should personal guilt accompany financial success? Is wealth incompatible with true Christianity? In? The Good of Affluence ?John R. Schneider reopens... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0802847994
• ISBN13: 9780802847997
• Release Date: January 2002
• Publisher: Eerdmans Pub Co
• Length: 243 Pages
• Weight: 1.06 lbs.
• Dimensions: 9.3" x 1.0" x 6.3"

Customer Reviews

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A very worthwhile an informative study on the theology of work and economics. Written fromm a Christian perspective, it debunks the common thought that believers should divest themselves from possessions. The author also engages in a survey of Old and New Testament thought and how it relates to current thinking about monetary matters. Strongly defending capitalism as the reason for why the USA became a strong country, this book is highly recommended for those interested in current economic developments.

The Exegetical Defense of Affluence We Have Long Needed

Of all the issues that hold ideological significance in my life, none reach the level of gravity that the subject of faith and capitalism do. I am convinced that there are more souls to be won by demonstrating the compatibility of free market economics with the Judeo-Christian worldview than any other mechanism on the planet. Likewise, I am convinced that there are more societies and nations that can be won over to prosperity and freedom, if but only for the faith community's stubborn inability to embrace such. Dr. John Schneider's remarkable work, The Good of Affluence: Seeking God in a Culture of Wealth, is a huge first step in seeing this dream become reality. I do not know what impact the book will end up having, as I do not believe it has received the audience it deserves. I am determined to change that. But allow me to comment a bit on what the book has successfully demonstrated: - That God, as part of his normative will, desires for His people to live in delight. Our covenantal journey is one of starting at, and returning to, Edenic conditions. This is an economic journey, just as it is a spiritual and moral one. Schneider's thesis ought not be confused with prosperity theology. Schneider does not argue that all Christians will live in prosperity; he merely argues that those who do are called to such, and ought not be ashamed. - The doctrine of moral proximity. That is, that believers are most responsible for the things most proximate to them. After reading Schneider's elaboration here, it is almost too obvious to be profound. But I believe it has gigantic implications in the Christian life. - That the "problem texts" for rich Christians are 100% of the time "problems" only for those abusing the poor - not those whose hard work and ambition has created material abundance. Schneider carries us through Eden, the Exodus, the prophets, and the age of Jesus' own earthly ministry. He powerfully posits that riches are not only not condemned in the Scriptures, they are encouraged. This is where Schneider's credentials as a theologian become very valuable. Pagans like Adam Smith, F.A. Hayek, Joseph Schumpter, and Ludwig Von Mises have done yeoman's work in demonstrating the superior capabilities of free market ideology. Contemporary economists like Milton Friedman and Larry Kudlow have elaborated on such, and done so with a certain appreciation for faith and values. But theologically pedigreed scholars have been few and far between in the movement to advocate a decidedly capitalistic culture. Schneider gives us the best of all worlds. The notion that all Christians belong in the "promised land" is rank heresy. But so is the idea that all Christians belong in the "wilderness". The sociological benefits of capitalism are so clear and so persuasive it is remarkable that the discussion still has to take place. The Proverbial message of hard work leading to prosperity is not merely descriptive - it is prescriptive as well. Schneider goes beyond th

The Good of Affluence: Seeking God in a Culture of Wealth (Hardcover)

ASIN:0802847994 The Good of Affluence: Seeking God in a Culture of Wealth. Every Christian and Phianthrophist ought to read this well reasoned book!

Are the wealthy barred from heaven?

Author John Schneider answers the question with a resounding, NO! This book provides Christians with a Godly vision to live with integrity and humility in our capitalist society. Schneider eloquently describes how well off Christians can live in faith while enjoying life to the fullest. Schneider posits that God created man to delight in God's glory, including material delight. Schneider helps us properly achieve and enjoy affluence as God intended, in a God-centered, not self-centered, way.Our delight includes compassion for our neighbors, especially the poor and powerless. This is an essential part of God's vision for us. But God does not require Christians to sell all of their possessions and give the proceeds to the poor. Schneider rejects as unbiblical critics of wealth who would impose the doctrines of asceticism or utilitarianism on Christians. However, God does call on us to use our affluence in a creative and redemptive manner to help the poor and powerless. Schneider persuasively argues that this directive is limited by the principle of moral proximity, which he describes at length.Abundance is a condition that God intends for all of us. This book deftly helps Christians remain faithful to God while enjoying the fruit God provides in this capitalist culture. I highly recommend this book.