BOOK REVIEW: THE TREASURE PRINCIPLE: Unlocking the Secret to Joyful Giving by Randy Alcorn (2001)

Book Reviewed by Patrick Blair on May 15, 2020

First Impression Versus Lasting Impression: The book title appears to be a paradox.  How could giving to others gain you treasure?  You learn that the title accurately describes the biblical principle laid out by Jesus, where you gain treasure in heaven by giving away your riches on earth.  For me, the book drove home Jesus’ stunning perspective on giving, and it encouraged me to increase my giving.

The Book in a Word: Paradigm Shift (yes, that’s two words, but I couldn’t find a one-word synonym)

Summary: Randy Alcorn has persuasively and passionately laid out his thesis for joyful giving based on Jesus’ command in Matthew 6:20: “But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven… .”  Alcorn makes sense of this counterintuitive teaching with biblical references, personal examples, historical examples, and colorful explanations.

What I liked the most: was the author’s enthusiasm and faithful optimism.  You could tell he really believes what he is saying.  It’s no wonder the book has sold over a million copies!  I also appreciated his heavy use of scriptures and numerous interesting quotes from major historical figures.

What I liked the least: was the author’s promotion of the tithe and, ironically, prosperity gospel ideas.  In my opinion, the ideas are inaccurate and dangerous to people’s faith.  The author does somewhat temper his prosperity gospel teaching by saying “Giving is a sacrifice, and sometimes we feel that sacrifice.” (p.74).

Recommended for: all Christian readers!

Not Recommended for: someone who is looking for prosperity gospel insights (looking for “godliness as a means to financial gain”).

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Reading Level: Basic … Intermediate …  Advanced … Scholarly.

Interesting Concept: “Enlightened self-interest” (p. 16) which refers to the idea that Jesus is guiding us to future gain (deferred gratification versus self-sacrifice).

Great Quotes: “Money leads; hearts follow.” (p. 44).  “Like piano playing, giving is a skill.” (p. 67).  “Do your givin’ while you’re livin’, so you’re knowin’ where it’s going.” (p. 70, quote by Ron Blue).  “We have no way of knowing how long our nation’s prosperity will last.  Why not give away our abundance while we still can?” (p. 88).

Spiritual Content: A lot!

Book Citation: Alcorn, Randy C. The Treasure Principle: Discovering the Secret of Joyful Giving. New York: Multnomah Publishers, 2001.  Please note that there is a 2017 edition.

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