Chapter excerpts from

The Virtue of Soulful Spending

by The Reverend Deacon Ann Fritschner

19 pages

Daily, we all have needs to meet. Some are vital and basic, such as providing food and shelter for ourselves and perhaps for others who are dependent on us. What one person considers “needs” might be luxuries to another, such as a cell phone, cable television, or a second car. To add to this confusing and often frustrating mix is that, sometimes, our true needs get confused with our wants.

Yet, regardless of how much—or little—we have, each of us will make choices each and every day about how we will spend or save our money. And, no matter how hard we work, or how much money we have, there never seems to be enough time or money to do and achieve everything we want to accomplish. Often, we have little of lasting value to show for all of our efforts. This can lead to feelings of resentment, that somehow we are being cheated out of something we have worked so hard to have.

Soulful spending, as a virtue, infuses our common everyday spending with the discernment of God’s will for us and for our money. This chapter will focus on money rather than time.

Chapter Contents

• Jesus and Money

• Soulful Spending Throughout the Ages

• Theological Framework

• Activities for Cultivating Soulful Spending

Prayer