Plastic Donuts: Giving That Delights the Heart of the Father (utgåvan 2013)

This book was okay. Beginning with a cute anecdote and then moving on to the intended discussion of giving. I found it to be simple (overly simple for my tastes) to understand and communicates a fair perspective on giving. This is not a book that I would personally recommend to anyone that was hoping for a deep biblical concept of generosity, acts of righteousness (charity), or 'tithing' - All-in-all the book was exactly what can be expected from our contemporary writers on all things Christian: Cute, Clear, Concise, and Christain-easy.

I really liked this book. It caused me to think about why I make charitable donations and challenged me to be more open in determining the amount I should give. The book has a solid Scriptural foundation and really paints a beautiful picture of how our relationship with God is the most important thing and how our gifts can bring great delight to Him and to us. ( )

With a title like Plastic Donuts, I wasn’t sure what to expect. Author Jeff Anderson, former CPA and day trader, begins the book with a story about his young daughter bringing him a plastic donut from her play kitchen. He shows his delight at the “gift” and she reacts with great pleasure. Anderson draws connections between this little interaction and our giving of our finances to God—which He doesn’t require, yet receives with delight.

As many of us know, any sermon or discussion about giving can be a sensitive subject, yet Anderson takes away the discomfort that can come with it. He digs into some of the questions often asked by veteran givers and new givers alike. Questions like, “Why give?,” “What’s an acceptable gift?” and “Does the amount matter?”

He could have gone deeper into some of the answers, but at the same time, I found the book to be not only a good Biblical introduction to giving, but a reminder to the faithful givers who may have forgotten why they give.

Because of its short size and Anderson’s easy-to-read writing style, I read it more than once and intend to promote it in our church library. ( )

Plastic Donuts by Jeff Anderson is a spare (115 p.) little book with a large message about our giving to church and to God. Although many people judge their donations by the 10% tithe “rule,” the author challenges us to give an “acceptable” or “pleasing” gift to God as determined by our ability to give and what is in our hearts. Citing the first gifts given to God by Cain and Able, the book quotes the many references in the Old and New Testaments about giving.

This book is one I can recommend to my congregation as an easy read, that doesn't necessarily introduce many new concepts as much as a new illustration - the idea that out of all that we have, God needs none of it. However, giving from what we have is a sign of appreciation for God's gifts. He does make a strong case for freewill offering being both a NT and an OT mandate, as sometimes these discussions are best begun by someone outside the congregation. As noted, this is a simple book for an easy read about a big important topic. Perfect for a stewardship focus in sermons or a congregational giveaway. ( )