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For these evangelicals who came of age in the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s, Burkett seems to have provided valuable counsel amid the maelstrom of American economic life. During this time, a multiplying abundance of consumer goods—made ever more tempting by the exertions of Madison Avenue and a never-ending revolution in consumer credit—made materialism a soul-vexing national malady. At the same time, periodic recessions, bouts with runaway inflation, soaring interest rates, and changes in the very nature of the American economy tested the patience, knowledge, and foresight of the most financially savvy. Undoubtedly this was doubly true for those whose family background or life experience found the problems associated with mortgages, credit cards, taxes, saving for children's college educations and retirement not only complicated but strange new territory.

Against this backdrop, it is no wonder that many American evangelicals, like so many nouveau riche young rulers, began to cry out What must I do to be saved? as they confronted the twin dilemmas of personal finances and their obligations to God. Having achieved a tenuous prosperity in a land whose moral and societal values were increasingly contrary to their own, where could they find the sorts of answers they sought? The instincts of people at First Congregational or St. Andrew's Episcopal might have been to consult Dean Witter about such problems. The folks at Antioch Baptist and Centerville Nazarene inclined their ear to Larry Burkett, because he seemed to have first consulted a yet higher financial authority.

Larry Eskridge is associate director of the Institute for the Study of American Evangelicals at Wheaton College.

See today's related article, "Forgive Us Our Debts," and last week's article, " We're in the Money!"

Christian Financial Concepts has an online presence that includes online financial tools, devotionals, and links to Burkett's articles and daily radio programs. Burkett's money columns for Crosswalk.com are archived on their site.

CCNfn reported last year on Larry Burkett and the trend of using biblical wisdom in financial planning . Larry Burkett critic Gary Moore's Web site offers articles, resources, and "laudable links." Crosswalk.com has also done an interview with Moore where he outlines his views on financial planning for Christians.

All of Larry Burkett's books are available from the Christianity Online Bookstore.

Last year, Christianity Today looked at the issue of tithing . Our sister magazines have delved into money articles as well. Campus Life has discussed financial stewardship for college students, and Today's Christian Woman looks at why it pays to be cheap. Marriage Partnership helped a couple come together on money matters, offers couples long-term money management advice, and interviewed Christian financial guru Bob Russell.

A few of the many Web sites that deal with money from a Christian perspective include Live It!, Crosswalk.com, and iBelieve.

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June 12 2000, Vol. 44, No. 7