This is a book of papers by various authors that was presented at a conference in the 80s. Parts of it are a bit outdated, but the overall message is still relevant: live more simply (and by this, the authors mean on less money) so that you can give more to those who really need help.

Since there were so many different authors, of course, some of the essays were good and some were less so. A couple of the authors came across as a little judgmental, but for the most part, they were quick to point out that "living simply" will look differently to different people.

A few quotes I liked:

"This created world is a magnificently beautiful gift from our Father and he intends us to enjoy and care for it... however, biblical people should do that in a way that does not neglect the obligations to proclaim the gospel, care for the needy, and seek justice for the oppressed." p 14, Ronald J. Sider

"Does living in the inner city or the wrong neighborhood for the sake of Jesus strain God's ability to take care of his own?" p 170, Gladys M. Hunt

"But we dare not be unconcerned about spiritual famine either. Our spiritual lifestyle is often as extravagant as our material lifestyle. A kind of spiritual greed for experiences, a euphoria about truth, has thousands going from conference to convention and across town to another meeting. Many Christians live in a cozy subculture enjoying group-think." p 164, Gladys M. Hunt

"What hinders believers from the carefree lifestyle Jesus was talking about in the Sermon on the Mount?... Do our possessions reassure us of our worth?.... Is it anxiety about the future? It is true that God is not honored by a failure to plan, but he is less honored by unbelief." p 168, Gladys M. Hunt ( )

case 1 shelf 4