Redeeming Money

In this clear and helpful book, Baptist pastor Tripp (Sex in a Broken World) calls for a new way of thinking about money that is rooted in Christian ideals of humility and love for neighbors. With the effortless grace of a seasoned storyteller, Tripp reels off anecdotes with which readers will empathize: John believes money will give him control; a couple mortgages their home to fund reckless spending; Amanda has so much credit card debt that she considers suicide. Afterward, Tripp turns to the Bible to provide guidance—scriptural analysis that is traditional and passionate, if at times overworked—examining sections where money is either a curse or a blessing. His call to conversion also falls along traditional and recognizable Protestant lines: accept Jesus and you will have the power to overcome struggles (if not now, then in eternity). Although his discussions of contemporary money matters are detailed, his references to the Bible are mainly delivered in large lists of aphorisms such as “Do not toil to acquire wealth; be discerning enough to desist” and “Better is a little with righteousness than great revenues with injustice.” Tripp addresses personal spending at length but omits insights into the communal or social nature of economics; there is no critique of unjust economic systems, a conspicuous absence from the book given that it was the focus of many biblical prophets. Despite this, Tripp’s stories are inviting and present an austere counterpoint to common prosperity gospel views of consumerism. (May)