Christian Renewal in a Consumer Society

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This book is about renewal and revival for Christians living in consumer societies. Jesus gave a high priority to his followers using money in ways that showed they did not serve money. Arguably, a higher priority than to sexual purity. He warned them to avoid all covetousness. And of the religious elite who taught that God rewards the righteous with wealth, he said they exalted what is an abomination in the sight of God. The author uses examples from history to show that revival comes not when our emotions are riding high and our worship is about to raise the roof but when we quietly and thoughtfully get real with God and right with each other. And that while attitudes to money and what we think we can gain by it, are not the only lifestyle choices that Christians need to bring into line with Jesus' teaching but unless they do our best intentions are incomplete and inadequate.

Dr R T Kendall, international Bible teacher, wrote, 'Philip’s new book is timely and so very, very needed. When so many people are timid regarding the discussion of money, too many Christians find themselves in debt and are consequently in a severe bondage. I recommend this book because I know the author well and because it will help people. After you read it get copies to give away. Biblical to the core, his book is life-changing. If all Christians in Britain were to read this book it could even change the face of British Christianity.'

Mark Prentice wrote in the Foreword, 'As you read this [book], you will quickly discover Philip’s pastoral heart. He wants to bring you to Jesus, and to his teaching, and his power to redeem our relationship with our finances. This is a process as challenging as it is liberating. I learned from Philip that Jesus sees our relationship with money as one of the primary threats to our relationship with him – which is why he gave it so much attention. We simply cannot make progress in our own discipleship until we have negotiated and implemented our Lord’s teaching, bringing our failures here, as elsewhere, to the cross in repentance and faith.'

Philip Evans became a Christian as a teenager, in 1968. He was first involved in credit and debt issues while working in the British civil service. After that, he worked as a consultant both for organisations responsible for collecting unpaid debt and for advice agencies working to help people in debt. He began teaching personal finance skills in 2002, mainly in schools, and from the start wanted to ensure that what he taught was consistent with what he believed as a Christian. That began a study of the Bible that continues today.