Enough, Revised and Updated: Discovering Joy through Simplicity and Generosity

At first, I was disappointed with the book. I had hoped it would be a good ole Adam Hamilton "feel good" joy book. That it is not. Yet, it is a good, informative book, well worth reading. While it adresses attitudes Christians should have about their money and financial resources, it focuses mainly on living a Christian life with Christian values, and is, in the end, quite good. It might not change your life and lead to immediate happiness and joy,but the plan, the value system is here, and, as usual Adam Hamilton presents it quite well. Adam Hamilton is a gift to our time.

Church of The Resurrection has offered another great resource for church folks. This book helps the reader rethink how one uses one's resources. In a world where spend, spend, spend has been the message for far too long, Adam Hamilton gives guidance on how to live within one's means without feeling deprived. More than that, this book compels the reader to realize that simplicity is a blessing - and generosity and joy.

I seem to be creating an Adam Hamilton's theme but I am finally getting around to writing about his book Enough, Discovering Joy Through Simplicity and Generosity. I couldn't write about it right away because I wanted my wife to read it first. We both loved the book. It is not that it was the first book ever written on the subject, it is just the Hamilton has a great way of speaking simply and clearly about complex issues. He also has a way, in his preaching and writing, of convicting without offending. The role of a prophetic preacher is often to point out where we have gone astray. The problem is that we, being human, shrink back and stop listening or reading when someone really hits the nail on the head. I think that part of Hamilton's success is about his uncanny ability to speak the truth in love. We are living in uncertain time economically. Uncertain times can cause us to reflect upon our focus and priorities and this is what the book is all about. Hamilton is too grounded to simplify this into saying "just give ten percent to the church and everything will be okay." This is about changing our relationship with money by focusing on our relationship with God. This is about making changes in the way we live that better reflect who we are. The text is full of scripture references and there is something different about how Hamilton references the Bible. These are not just "proof texts" that mention money. They are texts that point out our need to refocus on God, our need to see that our brokenness and emptiness will never be cured by buying, owning and possessing. We are led to find our peace and contentment in God and be free to live life in simplicity and to share generously. The book is spiritual based, but when you get right down to it, it is practical. If you want to begin to change your lifestyle and relationship with stuff and money, Hamilton gives you "Five Steps for Simplifying Your Life." I don't usually even get close to unconditionally recommending a book but you really ought to read this book. Whether you are living with the fear of economic uncertainty and need some wisdom or even if you seem to have that all together and just need guidance about how you might help someone you love, give this book a read. It won't take a whole lot of your time or your money. It is about 100 pages and you can pick it up for under 10 bucks. Will Rice

Enough Discovering Joy Through Simplicity and Generosity Adam Hamilton Abingdon Press 2009 ISBN-13:978-1-426-70233-4 Reviewed by Cindy Loven Enough, is a book that explores the reason that America and Americans face horrible debt problems, the book deals with the reasons that many face financial crisis, and the Biblical answers to facing and overcoming those crises The beginning of the book, explores and explains "affluenza"or the keeping up with the Jones syndrome, and how credit cards and easy mortgages, car loans,etc have fed these "viruses" as the author calls them, he presents Biblical solutions to dealing with our desire to acquire. The author also presents some reasons that we overspend, and how to strategically overcome these problems, firstly discovering what our purpose in life is, then setting goals for our life and then developing a plan. Also presented are 6 steps to overcoming financial crises, with tithing and offering being the first step of the six steps. There is also a budget worksheet that shows the average percentage of your income should go to each area of your bills. Enough, is a easy read that can help you to overcome debt and financial problems, based on Biblical principles. You are advised to cultivate self contentment, to overcome restless heart syndrome, and to practice of self control in your life. This book is a helpful tool if applied to your financial situations of life. Each chapter ends with a Thinking it Through section with questions, and scriptures to apply the principles presented. I give this book a 4 star rating. 110 pages.

I really enjoyed this little book. It is timely and courageous. Through great Biblical wisdom it calls us all back to a way of living that is not only Christ-like, but wise and relevant for our times. I'm a pastor of a small church in California and I'm seriously considering purchasing a copy for everyone in my church.