LIBERTY UNIVERSITY THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY

BOOK CRITIQUE: MARGIN: RESTORING EMOTIONAL, PHYSICAL, FINANCIAL, AND TIME RESERVES TO OVERLOADED LIVES

A BOOK CRITIQUE SUBMITTED TO: DR. DONALD HICKS IN PARTIAL FUFULLMENT OF THE CLASS LEAD 625 PREVENTING MINISTRY FAILURE

BY JIM TUNNELL

MAX MEADOWS, VA SEPTEMBER 22, 2013

BIBLIOGRAPHICAL ENTRY Swenson, Richard A. Margin: Restoring Emotional, Physical, Financial, and Time Reserves to Overloaded Lives. Colorado Springs, CO: NavPress, 2004.

Summary Dr. Swenson offers a realistic approach to developing marginal boundaries in every day living. He compares this kind of living and differentiates it from the fast paced lifestyle of the majority of people today. Margin: Restoring Emotional, Physical, Financial, and Time Reserves to Overloaded Lives is a useful and informational source for revamping lifestyle choices in order to bring a sense of stability to a persons life. Using a three-part evaluation, Swenson uses a health check approach in assessing the key areas in which margin is essentialThe Problem: Pain, The Prescription: Margin, and The Prognosis: Health. From the start, Swenson defines margin as having breath left at the top of the staircase, money left as the end of the month, and sanity left at the end of adolescence (13). A healthy lifestyle gives credit to margin. Distinguishing the difference between the terms marginless and margin, he cites examples of each. Marginless is the chaotic routine of everyday life. Margin is the order brought to the chaos. Swenson describes this disorder as a disease that can be cured by conventional wisdom (18). In the first section, Swenson lists the four reasons of painProgress, Problems, Stress, and Overload. Progression can create problems. Along with progression comes the drawback of more demands and additional resources. Swenson asserts, Please understand: progress is not evil[however] we must discern our course carefully lest we be overwhelmed by forces out of control (27). Furthermore, problems, stress and overload carry the same concerns. He

emphasizes that every situation has limitations. When a person exceeds those limits then enervation is inevitable. Swenson approaches the second section with practicality. It is in this section that margin is truly defined. He emphasizes four key areas in which margin should be cultivated Emotional, Physical, Time, and Finances. In his assessment, he prescribes that emotional energy is achieved by building communal support, cultivating good health, and strengthening the inner man. Correspondingly, physical energy is attained through rest, exercise, and proper nutrition. In the matter of time, margin relates to effectiveness in productivity, prioritization of activities, and frugalness with time (i.e., entertainment, down-times, rest, availability, etc.). Last of all, margin in finances refers to avoiding excessive expenditures. Excessive debt ventures and profligacy with income are viewed as reckless. Swenson asserts, If we are to restore margin to our finances, we must put things first. Only then will we be able to break the power money holds on us and use it instead of being used by it (140). In the final section, Swenson proposes several projections for healthy subsistence. First, he emphasizes that much of the world has become obsessed with personal attainment and materialistic matters. They have a desire for extravagance. He asserts, The advantages of contentmentare many: freedom, gratitude, rest, peaceall components of health (161). Second, he emphasizes that a life of simplicity offers unpretentiousness. Simplicity does not reject money and ownershipit merely subjugates it (175). Third, balance is viewed as bringing stability and steadiness in everything we do. Lastly, but certainly not least, is the subject of rest. Rest is necessary on every levelphysically, emotionally and spiritually. Our lives cannot be wholesome without it. A final chapter is devoted to encourage the reader to welcome margin in their lives realizing that Gods Report Card is inclusive (210).

Critique/Evaluation Dr. Swenson properly and effectively presents a definitive approach to developing margin in daily living. In a chaotic world, he carefully surveys the means in which many try to accomplish worldly pursuits without any tranquility. His book is refreshing insomuch that it comparatively shows how things, including expectations, change over time. The inclusion of historical significances was very effective. His assertion that margin was essential then as well as now is significant. Moreover, the emphasis on margin as the necessary ingredient for real peace and health was valuable. One aspect of the book that was missing was an indulgence into the spiritual attributes of boundaries. Although he emphasizes spiritual disciplines, his approach relates more to a moralist. Christian faith is mentioned several times throughout the book; however, it emphasizes an ethical standing instead of a Christian one. As a Christian leader, Swensons perceptiveness as well as his practical approach to margin is beneficial; however, it would be much more effective from Christian perspective. After all, Jesus Christ is the only one who can give true peace and tranquility. Apart from him, there is no peace! Conclusion The Psalmist wrote, My help comes from the LORD, who made the heavens and the earth! (Psalm 121:2, NLT) In a chaotic and sinful period in history, Swensons book offers a delightful approach to the discipline of margin. For the Christian, using this book in conjunction with a biblical approach to spiritual formation is beneficial. A healthy lifephysical, emotional and spiritualleads to a wholesome relationship with God and others. God intends for us to be a healthy society especially a healthy community of believers (213).