Every Good Thing: An Introduction to the Material World and the Common Good for Christians.
David W. Jones. Bellingham, WA: Lexingham, 2016. 144 pages. reviewed by CJ White.
I have read this book faithfully, in its entirety, in order to provide a legitimate and helpful
critical book review for all those interested in the book in question. Some might consider the title
of the book misleading, something Jones pokes fun at toward the beginning of chapter one.
Nevertheless, Every Good Thing explores how we ought to interact with the world around us. It
covers such topics as wealth, poverty, giving, work and rest. Considering the fact that there is
disagreement amongst Christians about how to engage or engage in the things that Jones
identifies as the “material world” this book is relevant to all Christians. In light of his easily read
style of writing, the skillful way with which he argues for his perspective, and the inevitable
relevance of the subject matter for all people, of all times and places, it would be a beneficial
read for nonbelievers as well.
Jones personal background is as follows; he is a professor of Christian Ethics at
Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, where he has taught since 2001. He also serves as
the director of the Th.M. program, and Associate Dean for Graduate Program Administration as
well. He specializes in Christian Ethics, which was the emphasis of his Ph.D. in Theological
Studies. He has written extensively with a particular focus in the subcategory of Biblical Ethics.
He has also had extensive pastoral experience which comes through in his writings. Bottom line,
all his work and, at present, this book are definitely worthy of engagement.
As Jones clarifies at the beginning of chapter one; the purpose of this book is to help
followers of Jesus Christ “better understand how to live in the material world for the common
good” by showing “that as Christians we must be concerned with the material world… for our
good and the good of our neighbors”. But what is meant by “material world” and what is
addressed in the consideration of it? Quite a number of different things! Jones provides helpful
insight in the second paragraph of chapter one, as follows; he says, “the material world is the
world in which we live (emphasis mine).” He also offers the interchangeable terms “material
realm”, “created realm” or “created order”. He asks, “how does God call us to live in it?”
Ultimately, the book addresses “how we conduct ourselves as believers in the context of our
families, workplaces, and communities, both local and global”.
In Every Good Thing Jones tackles the Bible’s instruction on various common aspects of
living in the material world. But with the vast breadth of concerns how does he divide it up and
fit it into a fairly short, popular book? He employs a familiar and consistent writing style with
clear divisions, much like a research paper. The book is divided into six chapters; five on the
subject matter, with the first chapter introducing key concepts, and ends with a chapter for
conclusions (chapter six in this case). Other notable and helpful features are; he concludes each
chapter with a section of reflection called “heading forward”, a summary section that neatly lists
the main points, and a section called “action points” which contains chapter material review
questions.
Jones begins with topical introduction in the first chapter, in which he explains; the
material world, economics and stewardship, material wealth, poverty and spiritual wealth, and
the intertwining and often misunderstand relationship between the last three. He then gives a
chapter for each subcategory in consideration. In chapter two he covers work and vocation; it’s
misconceptions, foundations, distortion, restoration, value and doctrine. He addresses such
problems as laziness and the workaholic. In chapter three he tackles rest and the Sabbath;
defining the Sabbath, explaining the “Eternal Sabbath”, keeping the Sabbath, what day to
observe it, and giving detail on the different Sabbaths – Civil, and Sabbatical and Jubilee year
and how these were intended to guide Israel and ultimately us in our practice of rest. Chapter
four covers wealth and poverty; what the bible says regarding both, and then wealth and giving.
He covers tithing and gives five insightful points (I’ll call them the five p’s of giving) applying
the new testament teaching on giving to us today. In chapter five Jones discusses creation and
stewardship; caring for creation, worldviews relating to it, the impact of the Fall on creation, and
redemption and restoration of it. Then he concludes the book with a final chapter covering
closing thoughts and application of the material discussed.
A strong suit of the book is Jones extensive bibliography. It alone will dispel any notion
that Jones is not well read or engaged with others works in the field. Additionally, commensurate
with a book concerned with a biblical ethic of the material world, it is replete with scripture
supporting all of his points. These two last points together provide ample evidence to support
Jones thesis. I find his explanation and application of scripture to be summarily logical and
convincing. In other words, it seems to make sense. I must acknowledge, his is the only work on
the topic that I have read. I could potentially read an opposing view and be opposingly
convinced, but at the moment, I find myself in agreement with Jones assessment.
I honestly don’t have a criticism of the book. Or, at least, what I have I would not call a
criticism, maybe more a wish. In chapter four, on wealth and poverty, Jones addresses both
economic circumstances, and he very clearly addresses giving in relation to wealth. I had
expected that when poverty came up, he would also speak to the biblical implications of giving
for those who are poor (relative though he acknowledges poverty to be). In fact, prior to reading
it I had even expected him to use the stereotypical illustration of the widow and her mites (Luke
21). He didn’t, which I was encouraged by, considering it is often misused in the church to guilt
people into “sacrificial giving” to the church. However, he also did not address biblical
implications on giving for those who are poor. I admit that one might be able to read between the
lines and make a conclusion regarding his thoughts. However, I had personally hoped to read his
interpretation on that specifically. Other than this one “wish”, I have no other critiques.
As usual, Jones is direct, concise, argues succinctly and writes so the everyday reader (read:
non-academic) can easily interact with the topics he is addressing, ones frequently of higher
(biblically) academic consideration, without needing a PhD in semantics to do so. His employs
an approachable writing style that never comes across as grandiloquent. His experience as a
pastor is also visible in the topic of the book itself as well as the systematic, scriptural approach
to its purpose. I found the content on wealth and poverty, and the biblical evidence he gave for
his argument most helpful in light of my own tendency to view wealth negatively. He says, “We
cannot identify either status as being inherently favorable or unfavorable in Scripture.
Discussions about wealth and poverty that begin with the assumption that either is always evil
(or a blessing) will inevitably come to wrong conclusions.”
In closing, Every Good Thing is a well written contribution to topics that, though
unfortunately a mystery to many in the church (not to mention those outside it), are of
significance to those who want to accurately and effectively respond to the various aspects and
opportunities of life in the material world. Whether you are confused as to why you have little
and your neighbor has much in the way of material blessing (or vice versa), or whether you just
want to know when and how to keep the Sabbath holy, Every Good Thing will prove useful to
you. I highly recommend this book to anyone who would seek to live wisely in the material
world. I found it very practical, spiritually edifying, and personally applicable.