How Much Is Enough?: Hungering for God in an Affluent Culture

165 Pages·2016·0.91 MB·English

by  Arthur Simon

“How Much Is Enough? is a nonviolent assault on consumerism, written, as it is, more in hope than in
anger. It is a profound and moving book, full of biblical insights informing both our personal behavior and
public policies, that in short order could change the world to a more just and peaceful place.”
—Rev. William Sloane Coffin
“We have waited too long for this book—since the election of Ronald Reagan and the capitulation of U.S.
Christian churches to American affluence. May its compelling biblical and evangelical critique help ignite
the long struggle with justice we badly need.”
—Larry Rasmussen, Reinhold Niebuhr Professor of Social Ethics,
Union Theological Seminary, New York City
“I highly recommend How Much Is Enough? as an excellent study resource to enable Christians to learn
how God wants to more fully use our lives to make a difference in a needy world.”
—Tom Sine, author of Mustard Seed vs. McWorld and Living on Purpose
“Art Simon combines a pastor’s heart with an activist’s commitment. The result is a wise, gracious, and
life-giving book that invites us into fuller expressions of Christian discipleship.”
—Christine Pohl, professor of social ethics, Asbury Theological Seminary
“As a pastor Arthur Simon radiates his deep knowledge of the Gospels. As a moral leader he helps the
readers of this moving book to understand the emptiness of a society based on the sterility of
consumerism.”
—Robert F. Drinan, S.J., professor of law, Georgetown University Law Center
“Art Simon’s wisdom is precious—not just to guide us to feed the hungry, but to help us see the meaning of
life even if we think we are full. His Sabbath advice is itself worth the price of the book.”
—James W. Skillen, president, Center for Public Justice
“Making meaningful and challenging connections among our Christian tradition, our personal lives and our
global community, Simon invites us to make the critical move in consciousness and action from personal
compassion to public justice.”
—Mary Ann Zollmann, BVM, president,
Leadership Conference of Women Religious
“In How Much Is Enough? Arthur Simon has integrated a lifetime of accumulated wisdom. He combines
sound biblical teaching, an array of stories and personal confessions, and a comprehensive, fresh
understanding of our relationship to God and others. Even though our emphases differ at one point—his on
public action, ours on the potential billions of dollars that church members could command through
increased giving to help others in Jesus’ name—page after page of this remarkable book provides rich and
challenging insight. For example, Simon emphasizes family life and offers a roadmap to all those
attempting to make sense of contemporary culture within their own homes. We recommend this book to
every church member and congregation who wants to know how to be rich indeed.”
—John and Sylvia Ronsvalle, empty tomb, inc.
All royalties
for the sale of this book
go to
Bread for the World
a U.S. Christian movement
that seeks justice for the world’s hungry people
by lobbying the nation’s decision makers.
For more information, contact
Bread for the World
50 F Street, N.W., Suite 500
Washington, D.C. 20001
Phone: 1-800-82-BREAD
E-mail: [email protected]
Web site: http://www.bread.org

© 2003 by Arthur Simon
Published by Baker Books
a division of Baker Book House Company
P.O. Box 6287, Grand Rapids, MI 49516-6287
www.bakerbooks.com
Ebook edition created 2011
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ISBN 978-1-4412-1001-2
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To my daughter Leah,
a special gift,
a special joy.
May she become all
that God would have her be
in Jesus Christ.