5.0 out of 5 stars The Book the Church Never Taught Me
Reviewed in Canada on May 5, 2026
Format: Paperback
A business associate passed this book along to me, and I expected another stewardship book. I did not expect to be challenged on this many of my own assumptions.
Dr. Watkins does something I have not seen many Christian authors do. He bulldozes. He goes after the poverty-equals-piety mindset that quietly haunts so many believers, and he does it with scripture stacked page after page. You cannot easily argue with two thousand verses.
What stayed with me most was the chapter on the Order of Melchizedek. I have sat in church most of my life and never once heard a sermon that tied tithing back to Abram, the bread, the wine, and the king of Salem. Watkins makes a careful case that this older form of giving was always meant to be the better one.
The 18 points showing Jesus was not poor will give you something to think about long after you close the book. So will the 31 ways to open the windows of heaven near the back. That section alone reads like a checklist a businessperson can actually use.
There is also a quiet honesty threaded throughout. Watkins admits he sat in church for 16 years before he understood the difference between attendance and surrender. He calls himself a rednecked Albertan who almost walked out of his first charismatic conference because he could not handle being asked to hug strangers. That kind of plain-spoken humility made me trust the rest of what he was teaching.
If you have ever felt the gap between your bank statement and your faith, this book closes it. Pick it up, read it slowly, and underline as you go.
“Dr. Stuart R. Watkins destroys the cynicism of those who reject Kingdom prosperity. A fresh understanding of Kingdom wealth frees the reader to partner with God for transformation in the earth. Your life will be filled with the blessings of the Lord when you implement the principles found in Biblical Economics 101. Get ready to increase and multiply your finances for Kingdom purposes!”
“This has to be the most balanced and useful summary of this topic I have come across. The clarity of his thinking and explanations of what Scripture teaches is to be highly commended and needs to be used widely to educate God’s people about the issue of money, wealth and the Kingdom benefits that should accrue for this wise teaching. I look forward to reports of the wide use of this book and reports of God’s blessings on its use.”
“This book is a strategic resource for everyone in the Body of Christ. Along with pen and paper and a Bible in hand, be prepared to take notes while being challenged, informed, and prepared for a study in Biblical economics that is life-changing!”
“Money is one of those taboo subjects most people do not want to discuss let alone explore more deeply. This subject is rarely taught on for a variety of reasons and Scriptures used are often misinterpreted. As a result, many are held back from walking in freedom in this area.
Dr. Stuart R. Watkins in his book, Biblical Economics 101: Living Under God’s Financial Blessing, constructs a strong foundation to understand more accurately and succinctly what Scriptures have to say about money, wealth, and living with an understanding of a Kingdom economy. He provides insightful clarity to this subject, practical examples and addresses incorrect beliefs and mindsets passed along through incorrect teaching and application of the Word. Readers will find themselves on a new journey of discovery and increasing freedom as they apply the principles contained in this book and discover in new ways how they can partner with the Lord for Kingdom and eternal purposes.”