“Your Money or Your Life” in Simpler Living, Compassionate Life

To see a general overview of Simpler Living, Compassionate Life click here.

In this section: “Spending Money as if Life Really Mattered” by Evy McDonald (59-66); “Money” by William Stringfellow (67-72)

Many people are uncomfortable talking about money. Discussion of income, savings, or giving often makes people blanche. The taboo that the American culture places on talking about money makes conversations of faithful stewardship of one’s money difficult. However, McDonald and Stringfellow bring nuanced approaches to bear in this section, which is the first to really analyze our use of money.

McDonald shares her realization that time = money. She reflects on how her life, especially as a consumer, changed when she began asking whether an item she was considering purchasing was worth the hours of work it would take to make the money needed to buy the item. If an item is not worth the time, she moves on. McDonald’s essay doesn’t vilify money, but encourages readers to become thoughtful consumers.

Stringfellow holds a mirror to the idolization of money. His essay recognizes that the obsession with money has made it a moral measure as well. We’ve come to believe that more money = moral excellence. Stringfellow calls for freedom from this idol. He affirms that money itself is not bad, but our placing money and the acquisition of money above God is wrong.

This section calls the reader to question their own relationship with money, which is helpful preparation for later sections that will widen the scope, turning to larger societal structures.

After Simpler Living, Compassionate Life, Michael Schut also published Money and Faith: The Search for Enough. To learn more about this publication click here to be taken to his website.

Profile: Michael Schut

Image courtesy of mikeschut.com

Michael (Mike) Schut is an activist for faith-based environmental action and education. He has worked for numerous organizations in this intersection for more than twenty years. Schut is the editor and author of three books: Simpler Living, Compassionate Life: A Christian PerspectiveFood and Faith: Justice, Joy, and Daily Bread; and Money and Faith: The Search for Enough. 

Currently, Schut is available for writing, retreats, conferences, and more. To contact Schut or to learn more about his work, you can access his website here.

“The Sacred Journey: Seeking an Abundant Life” in Simpler Living Compassionate Life

To see a general overview of Simpler Living Compassionate Life click here.

In this section: “Introduction to The Sacred Journey” by Frederick Buechner (19-22); “The Good Life and The Abundant Life” by Michael Schut (23-32)

This introduction argues for a change in perspective. Buechner calls readers to recognize and celebrate the movement of the divine in everyday life, to reclaim the sacred in the ordinary. To hope for living more simply and compassionately, we must begin with a recognition of the sacred reality of the lives around us. Later in this book other authors will argue that life is not just human life, but life of plants, animals and the universe itself.

When we are tuned into a generous understanding of the sacred we can recognize that we have uplifted the idol of “the good life.” Schut argues that as we have pursued good lives, we have revered “cultural idols” more than we should. He points to materialism and economic growth, productivity, anthropocentrism and individualism, and simplicity itself. Only simplicity rooted in a faithful understanding of the sacred can move us closer to an abundant life.

In the arc of this book, this early section is a wonderful foundation on that to confront other issues found later. The theme of sacred will continue throughout this work. Those intrigued by Buechner’s ideas about sacred in the everyday might also consider Tish Harrison Warren’s Liturgy of the Ordinary.

Simpler Living, Compassionate Life edited by Michael Schut

Image courtesy of mikeschut.com

Simpler Living, Compassionate Life: A Christian Perspective  (1998) grew out of a curriculum created by Michael Schut in 1996 and published by Earth Ministry. The early success of the curriculum led to its expanded publication as a larger collection. Featuring essays by Cecile Andrews, Henri Nouwen, Frederick Buechner, and many more, this collection touches many topics surrounding humanity’s relationship to our earthly home. In addition to the essays, the book includes 70 pages of additional material to help guide communities as they engage this book, making it a wonderful choice for book groups. This book is obviously meant not just to be read, but engaged, and engaged in community most of all.

Any work attempting to examine the global economy, everyday food choices, social structures, justice, and more will confront a problem of accessibility for readers without theological or ecological degrees. However, for those willing to take the time to move a little bit more slowly and intentionally through the selections, readers will find that Schut’s careful curation has created an accessible approach to the interconnected nature of our relationship to the natural world. The authors who contribute to this collection argue for a new way of moving through the world, voluntary simplicity inspired and grounded in a Christian faith that recognizes the sacred nature of all life.

Simpler Living, Compassionate Life can be found at most major book retailers, including Amazon here, and through your favorite independent bookstore. More detailed information on the sections of the book, including reviews for each section and author profiles can be found at the hyperlinks below. (Hyperlinks currently in progress.)