Book Review: How to get really rich

For my first book review of 2009 (although to be fair, I finished reading it in 2008) is Brian Rosner's How to get really rich: A sharp look at the religion of greed published by IVP. It's currently out of print, but if I was IVP at the very least I'd give it a makeover and reissue it quick sharpish, with a bit more thought an updated version would be even better.

Brian Rosner is currently Senior Lecturer in New Testament and Ethics, at Moore College in Australia and in his eight chapters (Unmasking Greed, Secret Idolatry, Inordinate Love, Misplaced Trust, Forbidden Service, Learning Contentment, Sharing Possessions and True Riches) - Rosner argues that greed is idolatry and the church has failed to tackle greed because most of us are guilty of it. Written in 1999 this was a book ahead of its time. Rosner pulls no punches and his biblical insights into greed are full of weight and conviction. His two key verses are Colossians 3:5 and 1 Timothy 6:6 and he unpacks them well, showing how they are integral in the biblical story and how whenever greed raises its ugly head, idolatry and straying from God is never far away. The antidote then is contentment.

For those wanting biblical insight into the nature of greed to speak into these times, this accessible and readable book is a great place to start (if you can get hold of a copy). Highly recommended.