Randy Alcorn, Money, Possessions, and Eternity. Revised and Updated Edition. Tyndale House, 2003.
Companion volume: Alcorn, Managing God’s Money
Referenced in: Giving and Financial Stewardship
LifeandLeadership.com Summary
This book reflects Randy Alcorn’s most thorough and passionate teaching on money and possessions, and is recognized as a Christian classic on the subject. It is second only to Craig Blomberg’s Neither Poverty Nor Riches as my top recommendation on a theology of giving for church leaders. Blomberg is a scholar and Alcorn is a more popular level communicator. That said, Alcorn does not lack substance. This book reads like a very interesting and engaging sermon on all things money. One may doubt that a single author would have 500 pages of wisdom to offer on this subject, but Alcorn certainly delivers. He also authored two devotional texts on similar themes, The Treasure Principle and The Law of Rewards.
The book is divided into four parts plus extensive appendices and indices. Part One discusses the importance of money in the balance of Christian teaching, with a special challenge toward asceticism on one extreme and materialism (including prosperity theology) on the other. He sternly challenges the crass commercialism in many Christian enterprises and televangelist charlatans. Part Two covers seeing earthly possessions in light of eternity, with emphasis on the concept of stewardship. Part Three deals with giving and sharing our money and possessions, including tithes and offerings, helping the poor, and maintaining ethical practices in the funding of ministries. Part Four takes up the issues of handling our money and possessions. Here Alcorn offers insightful biblical reflections on lifestyles and possessions, debt, saving, retiring, insuring, gambling, leaving, investing, battling materialism in our families, and teaching children about money and possessions. The appendices expand on several of the themes discussed in the book.
This book has its weaknesses. It is not as strong as other resources on developing the social conscience of wealthy Christians (but see chapter 14 on helping the poor).
From the Publisher
What does the Bible really say about money? This completely revised and updated version of the classic best-seller provides a Christian perspective about money and material possessions based on the author’s painstaking study of the Bible. Randy Alcorn uses the Scriptures to approach this often touchy subject head-on. Thought-provoking arguments challenge readers to rethink their attitudes and use their God-given resources in ways that will have an eternal impact. Alcorn deals straightforwardly with issues of materialism, stewardship, prosperity theology, debt, and more. An excellent choice for group study as well as individual financial guidance. Includes a study guide and appendix with additional resources.
From the Back Cover
Who wants to settle for fleeting treasures on earth…
When God offers everlasting treasures in heaven?
It’s time to rethink our perspectives on money and possessions. In this thoroughly researched and extensively updated classic, Randy Alcorn shows us how to view them accurately—as God’s provision for our good, the good of others, and his glory.
Alcorn presents a biblical and comprehensive view of money and possessions, including:
- Why is money so important to God?
- Is prosperity theology right or wrong?
- How can we be liberated from materialism?
- What should we do about debt?
- How much does God want us to give?
- How can we best help the poor and reach the lost?
- What about gambling? investing? insurance? saving? retirement? inheritance?
- How can we leave our children a true heritage?
- How can we use money in ways that God rewards?
This practical and refreshing theology of money contains topical and Scripture indexes, a study guide, and five helpful appendices.
About the Author
Randy Alcorn is the founder and director of Eternal Perspective Ministries (EPM). Prior to 1990, when he started EPM, he served as a pastor for fourteen years. He has spoken around the world and has taught on the adjunct faculties of Multnomah Bible College and Western Seminary in Portland, Oregon.
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