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ALF HUEBERT
ENOUGH
Betty Jane Wylie. Kelowna, B.C.: Northstone Publishing Inc., 1998. soft cover, 253 pages.
This book deals with lifestyle and financial planning for simpler living. Wylie writes from a Canadian, secular, middle-class point of view. She bases her arguments for simpler living on common sense. The book comes out of her experience as a widow with a career and adult children in her quest to refocus her life. She defines living more simply in terms of reducing living costs and the distraction of having too many possessions, so that time and energy may be conserved for more meaningful uses.
She approaches the matter of paring down possessions from the perspective of a middle-class person with a substantial income. Budgeting, investing and financial management are also discussed. Methods of controlling expenses, particularly in the areas of housing, transportation and funerals are covered. Often the author presumes a fairly high level of pre-adjustment spending, and a fairly comfortable lifestyle after the cuts are made.
Although the author makes reference to religious concepts, the book lacks a biblical approach to the handling of wealth, and so it becomes just another book on good personal financial management. The author's stance is clearly secular. From that standpoint, she deals with issues of consumerism and environmental protection as these can be influenced by a careful approach to personal spending.
Some readers may find the author's style objectionable in that in several places she lapses into vulgarity or treats spiritual matters casually.
ALF HUEBERT IS THE DIRECTOR OF STEWARDSHIP MINISTRIES OF THE CANADIAN CONFERENCE OF MB CHURCHES IN WINNIPEG.
RICK SCHELLENBERG
SECOND CORINTHIANS.
V. George Shillington. Believers Church Bible Commentary, Elmer A. Martens and Willard M. Swartley, eds. Waterloo, Ont.: Herald Press, 1998. Paperback, 309 pp.
This commentary shares the strengths of the series--it is thoughtfully structured, contains good outlines of specific passages and moves towards an application consistent with Anabaptist thought.
Shillington's particular strength is scholarly awareness of the rhetorical and theological threads which make up the tapestry of II Corinthians. He paints a vivid picture of the tensions and issues within this church and their effect on Paul's writings.
The book combines sociological analysis with theological references to Anabaptist founders and church fathers. It addresses a significant number of comments to critical issues in current debate. The book would be of interest to those teaching Pauline studies or those looking for up-to-date insights for messages or articles.
Paul writes this letter to persuade the Corinthians toward a view of ministry consistent with the sacrificial grace of Christ. Shillington's interpretation is guided by the structure of Paul's use of the art of persuasion common in his day. The difficult structure of the book is seen as originating in two parts, chapters 1-9 and 10-13.
Shillington is familiar with Anabaptist history and authors, tying together themes of peacemaking and reconciliation. His applications reflect the relationship between modern culture and biblical thought as viewed from an Anabaptist vantage. He has a current and extensive bibliography.
The book is difficult to read quickly, and the reader needs time to navigate the style and digest the thoughts presented. An awareness of other works in the sociological study of Paul's writings would help the reader with understanding.
RICK SCHELLENBERG TEACHES NEW TESTAMENT AND PASTORAL CARE AT BETHANY BIBLE INSTITUTE IN HEPBURN, SASK.
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