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Forgotten agenda?

Money, work and discipleship

Money where your mouth is?

FORGOTTEN AGENDA?
Money, Work and Discipleship
By Neil Hood
Authentic Media. 326 pages. £7.99
ISBN 1 85078 681 X

Forgotten Agenda consists of two books called ‘God’s Payroll — Whose work is it anyway?’ and ‘God’s Wealth — Whose money is it anyway?’ Neil Hood, the author, rightly notes that the subjects of work and money are often neglected in our churches’ priorities and teaching. He therefore takes a practical look at our attitudes to them and challenges us to be consistent and effective disciples in both areas.

Each book starts with a Foundations section, which presents the biblical background. The sections that follow apply this to work and money and provide many helpful case histories, quotations, thought-provoking questions and suggested actions. The final sections in both books provide a challenge to put what has been learned into practice.
The fundamental teaching of both books is that our priorities must not be set at an earthly level and that we must keep heaven in focus. For work, Hood refreshingly advises that all work is part of our calling (not just paid Christian work) and its primary aims are to glorify God, serve others and be gospel witnesses. For money, he reminds us that we are servants of our Lord Jesus Christ and that all we own is on loan from him, so the best use of our money and resources is to help others and promote the gospel.

Both books have weaknesses in their Foundations sections. The Work book omits any more than a passing comment on the effect of the Fall on all our work and relationships. This is a pretty key failing as the resultant ‘frustration’ must have a major bearing on these topics. The Money book does not answer the challenges of ‘Prosperity Gospel’ teaching in any depth. It would need to persuade readers against this teaching at the start, if the helpful advice in the following section is to be taken on board.

I was also disappointed by the rather lightweight and proof-text use of the Bible: in particular, using the David and Goliath story as an example for our warfare against money seemed inappropriate. Moreover, there is no treatment of today’s crucial issues of borrowing and debt.

Forgotten Agenda provides practical and biblical, but rather piecemeal, advice. Any reader looking for a more thorough and coherent treatment would not be satisfied.

Tim Horn