Jesus and Money: A Guide for Times of Financial Crisis

Ben Witherington III -

Recognized twice by Christianity Today as one of the top "biblical studies" authors in the U.S, New Testament scholar Ben Witherington III has just released a timely book in the wake of the global recession to help Christians rethink their approach to money. Exploring what the Bible does (and doesn't) say about money, Jesus and Money leads readers into an understanding of the proper role of money in our lives today, showing what good stewardship of God's possessions really looks like.

Strengths

Audience.   Jesus and Money would be an excellent resource for church study groups, pastors, church leaders, students, and all who are concerned about making sense of money from a biblical stewardship perspective in a world of economic uncertainty.

New Testament Theology.   While highlighting the wisdom found in the Old Testament regarding money and possessions, Witherington urges a New Testament theology of stewardship and giving, which calls Christians - guided in part by the Lord's Prayer - beyond tithing into sacrificial giving.

Use of Money.   Jesus and Money calls for "deprogramming" ourselves from the culture, and offers a sharp critique of materialism and self-centered living. Related, the author criticizes the "health and wealth" approach to Scripture, pointing out that financial resources are given to us in order to support our families, help people in need, and advance the gospel message.

Spiritual Emphasis.   "The bottom line of Jesus' teaching about wealth and prosperity is that wealth is a danger to one's spiritual life and well-being," Witherington observes. Wealth has a "spiritual effect" on believers, creating "a potential spiritual stumbling block." Generosity, on the other hand, is presented (in part) as an antidote to consumerism, resulting in "spiritual rewards."

Money in Bible Times.   Witherington describes the economies of the ancient world and how they differ from our own. For example, in Old Testament times, wealth was not measured in money, but rather through land and herds. Most people made their living off the land, making them dependent upon God for survival. In Jesus' day, the average family barely eked out a living after paying taxes to Rome, local authorities and the temple.

Riches.   Jesus wants us to be rich, Witherington points out - in our love of God and service for others. We are called to selfless giving, taking care of the needs of others without any thought of return.

New Word.   Jesus and Money introduces a new word - "communitarianism" - to describe the sense of connection and obligation we should have to our brothers and sisters in Christ, and to Christ Himself. The conviction that "no follower of Christ should be left in need" should be so strong, Witherington says, we want to meet their needs and help them prosper. This kind of stewardship is not a handout but an offering to God.

Things to Be Aware of

Jesus and Money is designed to provide both guidance and challenge to Christians, and as such, weaves in some thought-provoking concepts that may cause some readers to evaluate their beliefs about money. For example, Witherington makes the case that tithing is no longer required under the new covenant. On retirement, he writes "the whole idea of saving up huge sums of money...so one can live a life of ease...is an all too modern notion with no biblical warrant." On capitalism, he observes there are some problems with the system from a Christian point of view and concludes "neither the government nor private individuals really own anything....we are all just stewards of God's property."