Enough: Discovering Joy Through Simplicity and Generosity

Adam Hamilton -

Enough invites readers to rediscover biblical wisdom for wise financial living. Author Adam Hamilton lays out the keys to experiencing contentment, overcoming fear, and discovering joy through simplicity and generosity. In a culture of greed and consumption, Hamilton calls Christians to say "enough is enough," and aims to change your life by changing your relationship with money.

Strengths:

Author is a Pastor.   Adam Hamilton brings spiritual depth and "street smarts" to Enough -thanks in no small part to his role as Senior Pastor of the 12,000 member Church of the Resurrection in Leawood, Kansas. He is a sought after speaker on leadership, ethics, marriage and the spiritual life and is the author of ten "Christian Living" books.

Challenging.   Hamilton has an ability to say challenging things - even convicting things - without offending. Another way to describe his writing style would be "speaking the truth in love."

Heart Perspective.   Hamilton presents money as a heart issue, and contends that changing our relationship with money depends on focusing on our relationship with God. From that relationship, changes in the way we live will result, Hamilton contends, better reflecting who we are.

Use of Scripture.   Enough is full of scripture references, but Hamilton avoids simply inserting "proof texts" that mention money. Instead, scripture is used to point out our need to refocus on God, and our need to see that our brokenness and emptiness will never be cured by buying, owning, and possessing.

Practical.   Although the book is clearly written with a spiritual emphasis, it is also decidedly practical. For example, if a reader wants to take action and change their relationship with "stuff" - Hamilton offers "Five Steps for Simplifying Your Life." Other examples include a "Contentment Prayer," "6 Steps to Overcoming Financial Crises" as well as a helpful budget worksheet.

Counter-Cultural.   In a world that bombards us with the message of "spend, spend, spend," Hamilton gives pastoral guidance on how to live within one's means without feeling deprived.

Root Causes.   Enough explores the underlying reasons that so many Americans face financial crisis and recurring debt issues, and provides biblical perspective for overcoming these root causes. For example, in the beginning of the book, Hamilton explains how "affluenza" is afflicting our culture, then presents Biblical solutions such as discovering what our purpose in life is.

Companion Guide.   A separate companion "stewardship program guide" can also be ordered, which offers a simple campaign plan based on the Enough book, including a study program, sermon series, as well as video clips and graphics Hamilton used in his own series are included.

Things To Be Aware Of:

Hamilton's gift of speaking the truth in love may cause some readers to come away feeling like he wasn't challenging enough. With best-selling authors such as Shane Claiborne and John Piper calling believers to be radical followers of Jesus, Hamilton's pastoral message may appear too "soft" for some. Yet most will agree that Enough is a wonderful blend of scriptural insight and practical guidance that will challenge even the most die-hard consumer.

Available at: www.christianbooks.com