Planted by Water

Here’s the second of my reviews on books recently read.

Richard Foster, Money, Sex and Power

I have intended reading this book for quite some time as I recognise that it is about the three main idols that have always affected humanity - the diabolical distortions of money, sex and power (the lust of the eyes, the lust of the flesh and the pride of life). They’ve been around since Eve first saw the apple, - and decided that it was pleasing to the eye, good for food and useful for gaining knowledge - but they also dominate our present society. They are part of ‘the pattern of this world’ we must resist.

Richard Foster is the author of the ‘classic’ Celebration of Discipline which I first read about 20 years ago. I was quite taken with it at the time but now feel that there was too much emphasis on the religious and mystical for my liking. Nevertheless he some times has a good deal of sane, common sense advice on the Christian life. This book is a good example of that.

On Money, I find it hard to accept his idea that money is not neutral but is inherently evil - unrighteous mammom - but it is good to have a timely warning of the potential dangers of money, and he is certainly not altogether negative about it. He doesn’t convey that religious ’poverty spirit’ that is so prevalent among many evangelicals. Some good practical advice here too e.g. about wills. Nevertheless, this is the weakest section of the book. He is not the person that I would go to for revelation about what the Bible has to say about money. I think Keri Jones should write about this subject!

He is especially excellent on the subject of sex - it is a wonderfully refreshing, positive, common sense approach to the subject that isn’t spoilt by prudishness, unrealistic advice, judgmentalism or over-indulgence. He has a positive view of our sexuality and of a good kind of ‘eroticism’ which is part of being human and which we find celebrated in Song of Solomon. He is perhaps not as strong as I would want to be on some things but he is clear, honest and sane. He makes some interesting observations about the Puritans being quite positive about both money/work and sex, which doesn’t fit the ususal image people have of them.
I was particularly blessed by his approach to divorce and remarriage - because it agrees with mine! I think I’ll have more to say on this subject in the next few days, but he thinks, as I do, that Jesus does not introduce a new legalism about divorce,and that there are times when divorce is justified, though still a tragedy, and when remarriage can be considered.
Unfortunately, he fudges the issue of male headship because he has a problem with hierarchy - perhaps a reflection of his Quaker roots.

He is good on the subject of power because, although a little hesitant over hierarchy, he has many positive things to say about authority and power, whilst pointing out its potential dangers. He is particularly fascinating on powers and principalities, influenced by Walter Wink, and fascinating in his suggestions as to how there are powers behind governments, policies, mindsets, cultures etc. He makes me realise that there are ‘powers’ behind the militarism of the US government as well as the evil  agenda of the terrorists. We must not fight the ‘powers’ with the weapons of this world!

I like what he has to say about the ‘hidden preparation’ that God takes his leaders through, and quite positive about authority in the church. I also agree with what he says about the need for ‘contemplative critics’ in the church who have things to say about what is happening in our world.

Snippits

Money  invested in people is the best possible investment.

The fall did not create eros, it only perverted it.

instead of denying our passions, we need to control or passions.

believers need to see divorce as an absolutely last-ditch solution after every possible means of grace has been exhausted.

The enjoyment of beauty does not need to be wicked; it simply needs to be controlled.

those in positions of leadership must root themselves deeply in the experiences of ordinary life.

Unless we are ready for it,, power will destroy us.

To discover God in the smallest and most ordinary things, as well as in the greatest,, is to possess a  rare and sublime faith.  (quoting Jean-Pierre de Caussade)

Let all nations hear the word by sound or writing. Spare no place, spare not tongue or pen; but be obedient  to the Lord God and go through the work and be valiant for the Truth upon the earth.  (quoting George Fox)

infantile anarchy in church life is no better than an oppressive dictatorship.