The Book of Mammon
A Biblical Theology of Wealth
by
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CHAPTER V. HISTORICAL EVALUATION
A. OVERVIEW
The transition from the Hebrew Scriptures to the Gospels provides an almost breathtaking leap in the change of attitude toward wealth. In the former, material wealth in its many guises is valued as a good gift, usually awarded by God. Money, real estate, jewelry, health, longevity, wives, children, slaves; all were prized possessions. The modern world repudiates commerce in human beings but otherwise still monetarizes other Biblical types of wealth and is comfortable in regarding wealth as a blessing. It suits and pleases us as much as it did the people of old. Social Security is not only the name of a federal program, it symbolizes a universal vision toward which all humankind strives; it is almost considered as a human right. It is a blessed feature in the
When Jesus entered the scene, he turned the traditional consideration of financial values topsy-turvy. Except (probably) for good health, Jesus disdained all aspects of wealth. He assured his disciples that in the world to come they would be richly compensated for their present deprivations but in their current life material wealth was to be despised and rejected. Jesus Christ rejected material security. Instead, each day is fresh exercise of faith that sets aside every vestige of material welfare. If one serves God in full devotion, with one’s entire will and resources, God will provide every necessity. If food, clothing or shelter isn’t supplied, it is not needed. Suffering and martyrdom, not comfort or safety, are rewards for following Christ. Only spiritual values really matter and Jesus’ way leads to them. They take absolute precedence over material ones as Jesus taught Martha and as Paul was inspired to say when addressing a serious church problem involving meals, “For the
Jesus’ emphasis on the need for enmity against materialism is most explicit in the synoptic gospels (Matthew, Mark and Luke). The coming Kingdom of God will bring judgment upon wickedness and compensation for present hardships. Most scholarly analysis believes the Gospel of John was written many years later than the synoptic gospels and offers deeper meditation on the nature and destiny of Christ. Its emphasis is less on rejection of earthly values than on the power of Jesus as the Light who conquers the Power of Darkness and saves humankind.
Jesus’ followers had understood that he would establish the
The people to whom Jesus preached were mostly downtrodden peasants. They were the majority population in an occupied and oppressed land. Heavy taxes and corrupt administration crushed the common man who found hope only in rebellion aided by God. Only a few prospered, and they succeeded largely through treasonous exploitation. To the majority, bowed in darkness and despair, Jesus brought gleams of hope and encouragement. His preaching of the imminence of his kingdom was accompanied with miraculous proofs. These were powerful incentives to see in him their new messiah, the Son of David. He would be as a new Moses delivering them from slavery. Surely the restoration of Formats Book Details Everyone yearns for “the good life” … where children are reared in a loving, stimulating environment … where youth are prepared for their future … where adults achieve satisfaction through personal relationships and meaningfully rewarding work … and where seniors find peace in their “golden” years. Typically, it entails economic sufficiency. Yet, when this universal hope becomes reality, many Christians confront a disturbing faith challenge. Jesus taught his followers to postpone earthly satisfactions until the next life. In the present world, their blessings will be found in poverty, hunger, sorrow, and persecution. Woe to those with wealth, full stomachs, laughter, and popularity! Christ practiced and demands self-denial, not self-satisfaction. Entry into Jesus’ severe life-style is difficult and the path is arduous. Multitudes are called but only a select few actually follow the way to eternal life that requires crucifixion of one’s self. This book is a thought-provoking biblical analysis of the gospel’s opposition to wealth. One cannot serve both God and money. The Christian dilemma is that practical faith absolutely requires compromise. Money is necessary for daily life and future needs. How is it possible to follow Christ in this money-driven society? The Book of Mammon searches the Bible for the surprising resolution. Rev. Robert Harding Morris, D. Min., a United Methodist, taught adult Bible studies for thirty-five years and was a pastor for twenty-five. Beyond two seminary degrees he earned the degree of Master of Science. Additionally, he has fifty years of practical experience in the world of industry and finance. Presently, he researches the Bible to help Christians understand God’s plan for today. His earlier book, Boarding the Ark in Couples: A Biblical Theology of Sex, affirmed the compatibility of sexuality with spirituality. Here he attacks another vexing problem: harmonizing wealth with faith to provide encouraging insight to concerned disciples.
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