Ralph Doudera

Wealth Conundrum is a story with life lessons from a successful Christian money manager who realized that money was managing him. Through personal Bible study, an encounter with extreme poverty, and other experiences, Doudera discovers a new passion and freedom in turning over his life and money to God, and building lasting wealth.

Strengths:

·         Wealth Conundrum is a unique stewardship book, most notably because it is written by a lay person. Prison Fellowship Founder Chuck Colson said it well: “Most books on stewardship and giving are written from a pastoral perspective. Wealth Conundrum is a strong look at giving from a businessman’s perspective who has truly put his money where his mouth is.”

·         Readers will relate to Doudera’s honest admissions, such as his desire not to give, and the fear of not having enough. For example, Doudera confides that October 19, 1987 (“Black Monday”) was one of the lowest points in his life – not because of money lost but rather because of the loss of control and fear he felt.

·         Doudera not only shares insights he has learned about the spiritual aspect of wealth, but also gives practical, down-to-earth financial advice. In the chapter “A Life of Financial Freedom” for example, he recommends 18 experience-tested keys to building wealth.

·         An appendix of stewardship resources that Doudera found helpful are listed, including ministries he has personally evaluated and now gives to, Biblical Stewardship resources, Estate and Gift Design organizations, as well as stewardship-related books he recommends.  

·         Doudera’s serious soul-searching will inspire readers to do the same. For example, Doudera wondered if money had unknowingly become a god in his life, and walks us through his own examination of how he was making life decisions. He concluded that money had become a god because money was the primary concern driving most of his decisions.

·         Doudera’s study of the Bible’s wisdom on wealth resulted in some life-changing perspectives. Doudera observed, for example, that Jesus is calling us to “invest everything [we] have to get the greatest return.” In other words, he continued, “It means investing your life and whatever you have in people.”

·         Doudera’s sincerity in applying the “God owns it all principle” is noteworthy. For example, during a church fundraising campaign, Doudera followed His sense of the Lord’s leading and gave up his prize possession: a Twin Turbo Porsche.

·         Doudera does not pretend that being a steward of God’s resources is easy. In the “Stewardship Struggles” chapter, for example, Doudera asks several difficult questions that he is wrestling with: Should I tithe on the appreciation of my assets? Should I increase my retirement contributions or give more away? Does money left to charity at my death count towards eternal rewards?  

·         The Wealth Conundrum, according to Doudera, is “Earning enough money to make a profit so that you can give it away.” Living this way, Doudera concludes, results in both eternal and material rewards as well as a deeper affection for God.

 Things to be aware of:

·         Obedience to God does not guarantee financial success. Doudera doesn’t necessarily say that explicitly, but his personal experience might lead some to conclude that. For example, after surrendering control of his business to God, Doudera reports that it began to prosper significantly. Additionally, Doudera makes reference to some of his expensive possessions (i.e. sports car, nice home, etc.). 

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