A friend sent me this tidbit:
"The Dutch Western Bible Foundation felt the Bible needed updating, according to the "Nederlands Dagblad" newspaper (July 22, 2006). Consequently, it has published an updated edition, in which all passages that refer to money, poverty or materialism have been cut out. Literally. With scissors. The reasoning: Westerners weren't paying attention to them anyway. A joke? Yes, but a serious one. "The Western Bible" is published by the Dutch Christian youth movement Time to Turn, which encourages members to choose sustainable faith-based lifestyles. Describing the members of time to Turn, the press release announcing the book's publication reads, "They do not believe in a new legalism or in a utopian state, but in a God who is willing to deliver the world from materialism and injustice. Conspicuous holes are all that remain in "The Western Bible" throughout sections of the Ten Commandments, the Proverbs and the Sermon on the Mount, when the original text urged followers to take actions concerning justice or affluence. The Bible is selling well."
You can read more about it here. Something like this makes me ask questions. Is God really "willing to deliver the world from materialism and injustice?" More to the point, perhaps, is Do we want to be delivered, or are we happy here in Egypt?! I know I'm pretty happy. And what exactly does a "sustainable faith-based lifestyle" look like? I'm going out on a limb here, but I'm pretty sure it would mean a life of less conspicuous consumption than we in North America are taught we deserve. Anybody want to join me and Kendra in achieving a lower standard of living?! And Yes, I'm serious!
Shalom,
David
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3 comments:
Hi David
I am not sure I totally get it. I am certain we as westerners are FAR too materialistic. Back before starting college I was single and was pulling in over 6o ooo. I saved a lot of it and it got me through college. One of the reasons I quit to do something else was I couldn't justify what I did warented that kind of compensation. I just wanted to live. I felt guilt, and I wasn't willing to conform to the constraints on time to make that kind of wage. Now I am here on the other end finding myself FINALLY out of that industry, serving in a carrer that fits, is fulfilling, but I really lack faith I guess 'cause it is just too stressful. Now being a family man with a mortgage, and many other ongoing financial responsibilities, I don't know how it can be done. Honestly we are not being sustained right now. I do have a lot of hope. I know He ALWAYS pulls through, in His timing. I have looked to those around me for examples of how to do life less expensively. I think we are pretty frugel. The culture sort of demands a certain level of affluence. I want to figure this out too. Lord grant us wisdom in seeking to honor You with the time and resources You've so graciously given.
i don't think i'm quite there yet :p
Hey "ringoboy," welcome to the conversation. Sounds like you're caught between a rock and a hard place - wealthy but compromised (??) before, and now not compromised but not making enough.
You commented that "I really lack faith... cause it is just too stressful" and that "we are not being sustained right now." That's a recipe for stress regardless of how much faith you have. Sometimes things just don't work. Wish I could suggest something creative and helpful for you, but of course i don't know your situation at all. If its a ministry position you're in, have you communicated clearly your family's financial needs to the people who decide your salary?
You also mentioned that "the culture sort of demands a certain level of affluence." That's a very valid point, and a big factor in managing our finances. Whereas most jobs in a less affluent country does not require that you own a vehicle, many jobs here in Canada do. A $30,000 truck may be a wise use of one's money if it is needed for construction or something else in which quality and durability is key.
Thanks for your thoughts. I hope things work out for you. I know you will find God is faithful.
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