WEB RESOURCES:

https://www.crossroadschristian.org/blogs/blog/the-paradox-of-generosity

The focus of this blog is a summary of the book, The Paradox of Generosity. This book contains the first study to make use of the cutting-edge empirical data collected in Christian Smith’s groundbreaking, multidisciplinary, five-year Science of Generosity Initiative. It draws on an extensive survey of 2,000 Americans, more than sixty in-depth interviews with individuals across twelve states. It also contains perspectives drawn from the Bible that demonstrate the validity of what the Scripture says.

BOOKS:

The Generosity Factor: Discover the Joy of Giving Your Time, Talent and Treasure

By Ken Blanchard and S.Truett Cathy

The Generosity Factor™―a parable that demonstrates the virtues of generosity. It’s the story of a meeting between the Broker―a young man on his way up the corporate ladder who has the illusion of success, yet deep inside feels insignificant―and the Executive―the CEO of a very large and successful company who claims the greatest joy in his life is his ability to give to others. Thinking he might get a competitive edge by meeting with the Executive, the Broker’s worldview is turned upside down as he talks to the Executive and hears the principles that form his life. He calls it The Generosity Factor™―a way to give time, talent, treasure, and touch to those in need. Providing a unique twist on what it means to thrive in business, at home, and in life, this story will change your definition of success. In the tradition of the bestselling book The One Minute Manager®, authors Ken Blanchard and S. Truett Cathy, entrepreneur and founder of Chic-fil-A® restaurants, offer their thoughts about generosity with this book.

Money, Possessions, and Eternity

By Randy Alcorn

What does the Bible really say about money? This completely revised and updated version of the classic best-seller provides a Christian perspective about money and material possessions based on the author’s painstaking study of the Bible. Randy Alcorn uses the Scriptures to approach this often touchy subject head-on. Thought-provoking arguments challenge readers to rethink their attitudes and use their God-given resources in ways that will have an eternal impact. Alcorn deals straightforwardly with issues of materialism, stewardship, prosperity theology, debt, and more. An excellent choice for group study as well as individual financial guidance. Includes a study guide and appendix with additional resources.

The Soul of Money

By Lynne Twist

This book shows us that examining our attitudes toward money―earning it, spending it, and giving it away―offers insight into our lives. Through personal stories and practical advice, Lynne Twist asks us to discover our relationship with money, understand how we use it, and by assessing our core human values, align our relationship with it to our desired goals.

The Art of Neighboring

Jay Pathek and Dave Runyon
What if Jesus meant that we should love our actual neighbors? When Jesus was asked to sum up everything into one command, he said to love God with everything we have and to love our neighbors as ourselves. Most of us have turned this simple idea of loving our neighbors into a nice saying, putting it on bumper stickers and refrigerator magnets and then going on with our lives without actually putting it into practice.

What would happen if every follower of Jesus took the Great Commandment literally? Is it possible that the solution to our society’s biggest issues has been right under our noses for the past two thousand years?

God and Money

By John Cortines and Gregory Baumer

Featuring lessons from the Bible, modern day case studies, and practical ways to apply biblical principles no matter what situation you’re in, God and Money provides an incredible look into what the Bible says about

  • Tithing and Christian giving
  • Wealth and stewardship
  • Faith and generosity
  • Love of money
  • And so much more!