Through the Eye of a Needle
Hertzler did an outstanding job laying out the doctrine of non-accumulation in an easy to understand way, while simultaneously backing up his points with the scriptures. If it is your desire to take a deeper look into the life that Christ would have us live, then I encourage you to read through this book.
If you desire to take the teachings of Christ seriously, please read this book. It has helped me to see ways in my life that I have selfishly indulged myself, without much thought to the needs around me. Why work so hard to preserve this life? After all, Hertzler's got it right when he says that worldly investments may last several decades, but investing in Heavenly treasure has eternal value. My perspective on wealth has definitely been challenged. Great book!
A book for every serious, radical follower of Jesus Christ!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Thank You for just showing us in a very clear way what Jesus said!!!! I am trying (by the strength & power of Christ) to applying this Kingdom Mandate to my life, Thank-You for the work you are doing!!!!!! We need more Christians like this, following Jesus radically (an Early Church/Early Anabaptist understanding of what it means to FOLLOW JESUS ) with our time, money & possessions. I love to study Church History and am encouraged to find books like this that so beautifully parallel the Bible & History.
My eyes were opened to what true Christianity is when I read David Bercot's Kingdom book. I read Through the Eye of a Needle next, and was equally impressed. It has so much scripture in it that one just can't argue! I thank the Lord for bringing these two books into our lives.
According to Hertzler, all assets can be divided into two categories; tools and investments. A tool is something that is currently used, while an investment's primary purpose is to pro-duce a return on investment and to build wealth. This analysis yields no useful conclusions. Consider the most basic of basic tools a hammer; if currently used it would be considered a tool, but if you plan on deriving value from the item in the future it would be considered an investment. How about real estate? Hertzler states that it is probably ok to own a house to live in because it is a tool, but a house used to bring profit through its rental is an invest-ment and therefore is not allowed. This is illogical. Why can a barn or a hammer or any other asset be used to feed my family, but not a rental home? Clearly this part of the argu-ment is based on an agrarian life style. Under this line of reasoning it is ok to feed and care for a heifer, an investment, with the hope that in the future the return
This central message in this book has no biblical foundation. This is a book based upon the misunderstanding of the English language, exemplified as the author tries to weave his own presuppositions about investing into the biblical prohibition against the hording of treasure. Read my full review along with Hertzler's reply at my blog www.thoughtspercolating.blogspot.com
Read my full review with comments from Hertzler at my blog www.thoughtspercolating.blogspot.com Roger Hertzler in his book, Through the Eye of a Needle: The Doctrine of Nonaccumulation, asks us to "examine the things you have always believed to be true" about your own fiscal policy and its basis in God's Word. His central thesis is that, "Jesus forbids His people to accumulate wealth on this earth, but rather commands them to distribute those possessions they do not currently need for the needs of others and for spreading the gospel." Before delving into his defense of the main thesis Hertzler defines what a doctrine is, discuses the importance of doctrines, and what should be the criterion for their acceptance or rejection. He also gives a set of rules regarding the interpretation of Scripture. The dissection of these first few chapters are paramount to understanding the many logical fallacies that are contained in this short volume. A doctrine based on man's logic is subject t
I finished reading the book "Through the Eye of a Needle" last night. I say a great big "AMEN!!" Not that I have obeyed or am obeying this command of Jesus, but I plan to from now till Jesus comes.
My name is Kristi and I just finished reading this book. I got it for free at our homeschool fair in Portland Oregon. I'm 35, married 15 years with 5 children and I homeschool them on our 3 acre farm. I have to say this book has turned my world upside down with your radical book! I have lately been very burdened with our "stuff" and I'm always looking for ways to purge and give and I feel like the seed that was choked by the worries and cares of this life! I feel burried in cares and possessions which I would love to sell, the idea of doing it seems overwhelming! I really love your book and I agree with all that you bring out of the Scriptures. My biggest question is how to live like this when everyone you know doesn't? The early church was of one accord and they all shared and helped one another. If we give away our savings and our roof needs to be repaired in 3 years or our car of 15 years burns out what do we do if everyone we know saves for themselves? I'm not trying to come up w
I strongly recommend this book. I've read it twice. Simple to read, yet challegeing.
