Religion Today Summaries - July 31, 2009
July 31, 2009
Financial Advice from the Bible a Growing Trend
The Chicago Tribune reports that financial advice straight from the Bible is gaining in popularity. As more try to get a handle on their personal finances, it's only nature for them to look at the "best-selling personal finance book of all time," said Matt Bell, author of "Money Strategies for Tough Times." Programs such as those by Dave Ramsey, Crown Financial Ministries and Good $ense base their instruction on the more than 2,000 verses in the Bible that concern money and property. Bell notes the Biblical order often focuses on giving as well as spending and saving, an idea that "flips the cultural teaching on its head." Dave Ramsey's radio programs always end with a spiritual reminder: "There's ultimately only one way to financial peace and that's to walk daily with the prince of peace, Christ Jesus."
Not surprising.
The Bible addresses many practical issues with timeless wisdom, compassion, insight, and an ethical compass.
If one only had the book of Proverbs as a guide for business relationships, work, investments, and generosity to the poor, there would be some powerful building blocks for a person's financial health.
The teachings of Jesus revolutionize thinking about money as His teachings revolutionize all of our thinking.
Crown Ministries and Dave Ramsey are both doing a wonderful work in helping to bring biblical perspective to difficult times.