What’s in Your Wallet?
At a time when people are asking questions about the sputtering economy and the stock market, it is timely for people of faith to consider not only their fiscal priorities, but also their spiritual values in life. “What’s In Your Wallet?” explores the biblical practice of tithing and the spiritual aspects of budgeting, spending and saving. Given the financial unrest in the world, it is fitting that Christians examine their consciences and honestly assess just where our security for the future rests.
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the Quarterly Journal of Reformed Spirituality.
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Kevin Park is a recent addition to the Office of Theology and Worship and joins the staff as Associate for Theology. In this capacity he will engage in deep theological reflection and conversation on questions that intersect faith, work, money, economy, environment and stewardship of all of life.
The Rev. Kathryn (Cossy) Ksander recently retired in the Presbytery of Chicago, where she served four congregations, a campus ministry and a council of churches during the past twenty-four years. Currently she enjoys her work as a spiritual director — sitting with people, building labyrinths and holding sick babies. In this article she reflects on the topic of “money” — the second most popular topic in the New Testament (the first being the nature of God’s realm).
Dianne Reistroffer is Professor of Ministry and Director of Methodist Studies at Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary. Every other year she has taught an award-winning general elective course on faith and money. Her syllabus and reading list for students is updated every two years and is offered here for those who would like to do further study on the topic.
This article takes a look at the way in which patterns of giving to charitable causes are shifting. This article by Larry Krotz was published in the April 2008 issue of the Observer. It is a publication of the United Church of Canada magazine. While the statistics reflect Canadian churches you will notice that the pattern mirrors patterns of churches across the United States as well. You can also find the Observer article online.
“The spiritual life can have a greater depth and quality by keeping its attention on what really matters,” writes by Rich Lawther, pastor of Fairgrove Presbyterian Church in Fairgrove, Michigan. In this article he relates his experience of centering prayer and shares his concerns for all who seek the fullness of God in their lives.
On October 3, 2008, Bruce Reyes-Chow, Linda Valentine and Gradye Parsons sent out a letter to all Pastors and Elders in the church expressing their concern all who may be suffering from the downturn in the economy.
Charles Wiley, coordinator of the Office of Theology and Worship, wrote "Presbyterians and wealth — A love-hate relationship" for Presbyterians Today in May 2006.
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