Wealth as Peril and Obligation: The New Testament on Possessions

by Sondra Ely Wheeler

Demonstrates that Scripture can both form and inform contemporary thinking on wealth issues. Wheeler provides a careful interpretation of key New Testament texts. The result is a practical, biblical statement on wealth and ownership that can help Christians and Churches come to grip with the economic ethical issues of the day.

Genres: Theology

176 pages, Paperback

First published July 1, 1995

Reviews

[Callie Perry · Rating 3 out of 5]

BT 635

While I’m unsure about the relevance of Wheeler’s first chapter, her exegesis throughout the book is impressive and helpful. I’ve learned that certain passages surrounding wealth and poverty in the New Testament have way more depth to them than I first encountered. For example, in Mark 10:17–22, the man does not only deny Jesus, but he also denies discipleship, which is a special form of God’s love. This read is certainly helping me understand what the NT is trying to convey about wealth and poverty.

[Daniel Weaver · Rating 3 out of 5]

There are no answers here but the final chapter does distill the relevant questions, and you could just read that standalone. Definitely skip the first two chapters. The other chapters go into depth on each of the major passages in wealth in the New Testament, a bit of a slog but useful if you’re actively looking for that level of breadth.

[Jason Koon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm not sure there has ever been a book that has challenged my thinking on a topic more than this book.

[Meepspeeps · Rating 4 out of 5]

I re-read this book because I registered to hear the author speak next week. She painstakingly breaks down the New Testament (NT) teachings on wealth. I concluded that she believes the NT says wealth is problematic, dangerous and suspect, but not immoral unto itself. I doubt there are many peeps in the USA who believe they received their relative wealth due to treating others unjustly because there is often not a direct connection. But the author cautions peeps to pay attention to what the NT says about wealth, because wealth has great power to reduce or extinguish faith. Peeps who struggle with the NT stories about wealth will find good explanations of the texts in this book. The writing style is scholarly, so don't expect to breeze through it on the beach.