#26 Faithful Investing: The Power of Decisive Action and Incremental Change
by James W. Murphy
In times like these, many faith-based and values-driven investors lean into the potential for their investments to be a source of positive impact and change in a needy world. This is indeed possible if we approach the investment task with an open heart, mindful of the values we are trying to reflect, and with a deepened understanding of the returns we are seeking – and for whom.
#27 Investing and Faith: The Impact of Faith-Based Investing
by Steven French
Do your investments align with your values? Alignment of values is increasingly in focus. You’ve seen it, for instance, when advertisers withdraw their support from a celebrity. But what about Christians and their investment portfolios? Do their investments support their underlying faith values?In the past, Faith-Based Investing (FBI) was not always looked upon positively, whether because of a perception of poor performance or the limits of uncertain capabilities. But this is a new day. Analytics have advanced, and outcomes demonstrate that it’s possible to have great financial performance and investments that align with faith-based values.
#28 Repurposing Capital – electronic
by Brett Johnson
Capital is essential, but much of what we see in the many forms of capital today leads us to conclude there is a definite and urgent need for Repurposing Capital.
#29 Profit or Principles: Investing Without Compromise
by Dwight Short
Weaving together the attractiveness of a short story, the power of scripture interpretation, and information gleaned from years of experience, Dwight Short provides insight and motivation for financial investors who are concerned about being good stewards. “Profit or Principles: Investing Without Compromise” uses the powerful tool of storytelling to explain the basics of Biblically Responsible Investing. As you read this book you will be caught up in the tale of a man named Scott. As he learned what it truly means to be a faithful steward in the eyes of Jesus, you will discover how the lesson applies to your life as well. “Profit or Principles” will help you discover the answers to the following questions: • Is there a conflict between earning a profit and remaining true to my Christian principles when it comes to investing? • Is it possible to know what types of activities I am supporting with my investments? • What should I do if I discover a specific investment provides resources for an offensive activity? • In this economy, if my investments are making money should I be concerned about what the investments are funding? This is not a technical book describing all the workings of Biblically Responsible Investing. Instead, it is primer, an introduction to how it can help a follower of Jesus accomplish financial goals without having to sacrifice spiritual integrity. Author Dwight Short, in his first book “Kingdom Gains,” provided a very thorough explanation of Biblically Responsible Investing. In “Profit or Principles,” you will be motivated to investigate this type of investing. Every faithful follower of Jesus wants to be in the position to hear the Master say, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” There is not really a conflict between being faithful to spiritual principles and earning a good return. Often, the only conflict is if the investor is unwilling to make the necessary changes to accomplish both.
#30 Redefining Financial Freedom: A Gospel-Based Approach to Money
by Chad S. Hamilton
There is no shortage of books providing financial advice and quite a few of those incorporate a Christian perspective. They all tend to start with existing financial practices and apply Biblical principles to what you are already doing. What makes this book different is that it starts with the gospel and then considers the financial implications. The underlying assumption here is that the gospel is Good News rather than Good Advice. That means it is not primarily about finding the right Bible verses to inform you, but rather about connecting with the Good News of Jesus to transform you. What Chad Hamilton provides in this provocative book is an antidote to the false cultural narratives about money. He shows how so many financial problems are due to a misguided search for freedom and helps paint a picture of “what could be” by weaving in stories of imaginative people helping to redeem a broken world. Redefining Financial Freedom provides an inspiring Biblical framework for understanding money. It will change the way you think about work, investing, and generosity.
#31 I Found Jesus in the Stock Market: How Biblically Responsible Investing Can Change Your Heart, Too
by Cassandra Laymon
This is not a book about how God wants you to be rich, nor is it a book about the “money secrets” of the Bible. This is the true story of how one woman’s journey to learn about Biblically Responsible Investing transformed her life and opened her heart to Jesus. As an author and CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER, Cassandra Laymon researched the principles of Biblically-based investing, and learned she was unknowingly profiting from business practices that directly opposed her Christian faith.
In this book Cassandra shares why it is important to know what you own, how to find out the truth, and how you can align your faith and your investments and make your money matter.
#32 Deep Wealth: An Exploration of Money, Meaning and What Really Matters
by Chad Hamilton
The key to successful wealth management is not financial education. Too often we have looked for mathematical solutions to behavioral problems. Personal financial issues are not solved by changes in interest rates, investment performance, or increased financial IQ. None of those things change behavior. It is internal motivation that drives external behavior. Desires will shape our financial decision-making.
So what about our desires and dreams? C.S. Lewis declared that a central problem of humanity is that we are “far too easily pleased.” Are we settling for less consequential lives? Are we too willing to sell out bigger hopes and dreams for fleeting pleasures? What if the source of our financial problems is that our goals are actually too small?
To find true freedom, we need to integrate our values, passions, and purpose into meaningful goals that inspire us. This is an exploration of money, meaning, and what really matters. It’s a search for Deep Wealth.
#33 Investing with Integrity
by Loran Graham
Discover why honoring God with your investments matters. With grace and humility, Loran Graham takes us on a journey to demonstrate how biblically responsible investing fits into the bigger picture of biblical stewardship, and how our investment choices can be an act of worship.
#34 Created to Flourish
by Peter Greer and Phil Smith
This eminently practical book by two leading experts on poverty alleviation offers a clear plan to help Christ-followers translate their compassion into thoughtful action. Authors Peter Greer and Phil Smith draw on their personal experiences to discuss proven solutions for effectively alleviating poverty. Created to Flourish examines the pitfalls of traditional approaches and outlines a new model of economic development aimed at breaking the cycle of dependency. Through discipleship-based savings groups and small loans, families in poverty are employing their God-given talents to provide for their families and serve their communities. With photographs showcasing the dignity of clients from around the HOPE International network, this book provides straightforward guidance for individuals and groups eager to carry God’s justice, mercy, and compassion throughout the world.
#35 Kingdom Gains: What Every Christian Should Know Before Investing
by Dwight L Short
God owns it all! But you have been called to be HIS portfolio manager! In the complex world of finance that we experience today, Christian Financial Adviser and author, Dwight Short, CIMA, explains how investors, advisers, and clergy can respond to this challenge. In Kingdom Gains, you will find both practical and theological points to help you bridge the gap between the gains in your portfolio and spiritual growth as well. Does God really care how we make money? If it matters to God, should it matter to you? Most believers have not wrestled with this question and the author of Kingdom Gains confesses to not having dealt with it for a long time either. You will find a guilt free challenge to examine your investing habits and take it to the Lord in prayer!
#36 The Legacy Journey: A Radical View of Biblical Wealth and Generosity
by Dave Ramsey
In The Legacy Journey, Dave Ramsey takes a deep dive into God’s word, revealing the truth on money, wealth and how to build your personal and family legacy. It’s time to address the toxic messages in our culture that say we should be ashamed of the success God’s given us.
#37 The Total Money Makeover: A Proven Plan for Financial Fitness
by Dave Ramsey
The success stories speak for themselves in this book from money maestro Dave Ramsey. Instead of promising the normal dose of quick fixes, Ramsey offers a bold, no-nonsense approach to money matters, providing not only the how-to but also a grounded and uplifting hope for getting out of debt and achieving total financial health.
#38 Biblically responsible investing: For God’s Glory and Your Joy
Christians around the world are investing billions of dollars to support biblical values for God’s glory and their joy within a movement called Biblically Responsible Investing (BRI). Hear firsthand from one of the leading voices in the BRI movement about the exciting impact being felt on Wall Street, in corporate America, in families and churches all over the globe and how you, too, can experience the blessing of aligning your investments with biblical values for God’s glory and your joy!
Read how author Robert Netzly’s career as a successful financial professional was turned upside down when he discovered BRI, how the Holy Spirit pierced his heart on the issue and his harrowing experience of leaving everything to follow Jesus into an uncertain future with no safety net — and how God proved himself faithful time and time again, and used that step of faith to advance a movement that is literally changing the world, completely by his grace.
#39 Kingdom Economics
Biblical or Kingdom Economics is often diametrically opposed to the worlds of economics, banking, finance and investing as we know it. This book looks at alternate economic systems and provides guidance on how to exit bad systems and redirect living, investing, and finances to better systems consistent with principles of Kingdom Economics. If you are a follower of Jesus Christ, you will find Brett Johnson’s teachings on money, finance, and investing particularly useful.
Brett founded The Institute for Innovation, Integration and Impact, Inc. in 1996. His writings complement the work of this Silicon Valley think tank. Kingdom Economics is an invitation to the growing Faith Driven Investor community who love the nations and the planet too much to leave their money stuck where it grows but does not change the world for good.
Is it time for new economic solutions? Read more about Kingdom Economics on our blog.
Others we recommend
Since publishing the list, we’ve had a few more suggestions come in. Expect these to be added to an updated list soon.
Let us know what to add!