Back To Eden
A Biblical Perspective on Wealth and Poverty
by Simon Thiessen

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Part scriptural analysis, part compassionate musing, and part academic study, Back to Eden brings together academic research, Christian theology, and universal human emotions to examine how our financial status affects our way of life and our treatment of others. Starting with a broad analysis of how certain scriptural passages can be interpreted through the lens of our human capacity for love, compassion, righteousness, and humility, author Dr. Thiessen moves with increasing specificity into a detailed, succinct, and thoroughly researched examination of how our perspective towards those less fortunate is directly related to our relationship with God, not to our financial portfolio. For those who seek to deepen their relationship with God and to better understand how His teachings encourage compassion, generosity, and open heartedness, Back to Eden not only provides the academic and scriptural foundation to accomplish this, but it also weaves each lesson through a prism of human experience, allowing these teachings to be understood and identified by any who are willing to learn. Through deep analysis and thoughtful consideration of theological literature and select scripture, Dr. Thiessen’s work weaves a story that aspires to educate, enlighten, and inspire.

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I suspect “Back to Eden” might not be without some controversy, but many readers will happily gobble this book by Dr. Simon Thiessen up, as it is a very coherent and impressive interpretation of various popular Bible passages from several different perspectives relating to the roles of Christians and dealing with wealth inequality, poverty, pursuit of wealth and materials gains, and reconciling all that with being a Christian… I appreciated Dr. Thiessen’s extremely coherent and well-thought out statements and arguments, and his evidence from numerous scripture sources and his reasoning. Very relatable and quite astute. He covers so many topics in depth and with a stunning amount of direct research to carefully articulate his findings. Thought there were just so many amazing ideas here, I challenge you to read the whole thing and remain unaffected in some way. Easy to read and understand. I enjoyed reading this and would recommend this to others who want to further their Church education without hesitation. (5 stars) Samantha Ryan—Goodreads; Barnes & Noble; Indie Book Reviewers I think what I really liked the most about this book “Back to Eden” by Simon Thiessen was just the easy, natural tone in which he imparts his message in such an easy-to-understand and relatable way but it is also extraordinarily well-researched. There is a lot narrative and it reads as nonfiction most of the time, but there is also a way he writes where it is more like a ‘conversation’ asking/answering questions and explaining ideas in an easy to understand way and with real life examples. This helped to prevent any real monotony and speed up the flow. Although I identify as Christian, my Church attendance is pretty much relegated to major holidays, and I haven’t read from the Bible outside of Church since I was a child. But reading this book, and the passages the author questions and dissects, it was so clear how this book can relate to life on an everyday level, even in so many ways we might not realize. I particularly liked the way he pulled direct quotes and passages to illustrate his points. A profound, carefully researched book and he answered so many questions I didn’t even know I had! Seemed to be very well edited and put together (although I didn’t like the formatting being all left-justified), and I can see this being taught in a college philosophy or religions class, or for those who wish to understand Christianity from a new perspective. (4 stars) Essie Harmon——Goodreads; Barnes & Noble; Indie Book Reviewers At first I confess to being a bit wary when picking up this book by Simon Thiessen “Back to Eden” as I was concerned that it might be written with a very specific target audience in mind, those who are strongly Christian, which I admit I am not – although I do have interest in the Bible and how it teaches people to live and treat others. Since there is the stigma with certain aspects of Christianity in regards to having too much wealth or living in poverty, I was curious to read Dr. Thiessen’s interpretation of what he thinks the Bible says about it. So I read with an open mind and heart, and as I was reading, I found it to be applicable in all aspects of life, and to just about anyone who was reading it. There are many profound observations made and lessons taught that really cross any spiritual boundary. There is much discussion and debate on Biblical/spiritual canonical elements, but the author(s) bring a fresh, new spin on it with personal insights and anecdotes relating to human experiences that we can all relate to. A positive, moving message that should be heard to learn more about Jesus, poverty, and the role of financial wealth in a Christian’s life. (4-5 star). Cale Owens—Goodreads; Barnes & Noble; Indie Book Reviewers I was honestly shocked at how much I enjoyed reading this book, “Back to Eden” by author Simon Thiessen. I have read many, many, many books on spirituality, from Biblical Scripture to Atheism, and with varying degrees of satisfaction. Often I do feel that they can come across as too “preachy” (pardon the pun), or highbrow, or holier-than-thou. (Again, pardon..) However, I thought this book was a wonderful change and Dr. Thiessen’s author ‘voice’ was more like how a friend or trusted confidante would talk to you… a much wiser, learned friend or confidant! I like that he actually asked… and addressed… several questions that I’ve had myself over the years, and while I may not totally agree with absolutely everything (naturally), so much made sense, and reading books like this by others who feel the same is something that gives me peace and strength. This is a shorter read; but not one to be rushed, but one to be savored, analyzed, and pondered upon. Almost scary how much truth lies within these pages! Great supporting documentation in-text and at the end, and I really feel like I learned a lot. Thank you for writing this and I look forward to reading more books from Simon Thiessen in the future! Recommend for readers of Spiritual nonfiction and religious studies. (5 stars) Karen Matthews—Goodreads; Barnes & Noble; Indie Book Reviewers

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Dr. Simon Thiessen is a lifelong educator and academic theologist. He holds a PhD from the California Graduate School of Theology and has done graduate studies at Fuller Seminary, Lutheran Seminary, Princeton Seminary, Regent College; he also has a B.A., and B.ED. from University of Saskatchewan and a M.A. degree from Wheaton College Graduate School. He lives in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan with his wife Dorothy and often visits with his grandchildren and five children. Back to Eden is his first book.

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Contributors

Author

Simon Thiessen

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