Passionate Steward: Recovering Christian Stewardship from Secular Fundraising, The

Theology Today, Oct 2003 by Degitz, Eugene P

The Passionate Steward: Recovering Christian Stewardship from Secular Fundraising. Michael O'Hurley-Pitts, Toronto, St. Brigid, 2001. 169 pp. $19.99. The book encourages churches to focus on theological foundations of Christian stewardship, grace and generosity. O'Hurley-Pitts says that the church has erred in using the "techniques" and "practices" of secular philanthropy, which concentrate on financial giving, rather than on time, talent, and treasure. Many "secular" fundraisers would concur about the importance of involvement, information, and community-building, and that tax benefits are not a primary motivation for giving. The author proposes an egalitarian approach to stewardship focusing on the whole community rather than on persons capable of major gifts. Some would say this does not address the very uneven distribution of resources. Not suggested are other ways to define and encourage needed generous support consistent with the resources of those who have more. O'Hurley-Pitts argues against special "recognitions" for donors. The book raises important questions about Christian stewardship and how readers may or may not benefit from the lessons of secular philanthropy.

Eugene P. Degitz, Princeton Theological Seminary, Princeton, NJ