Stephen B. McSwain, vice president of Cargill Associates, Inc., an industry leader in philanthropy, is an expert in the fields of church, philanthropy and capital fundraising. Dr. McSwain has an earned doctorate and he and his family live in Louisville, Kentucky.

The Giving Myths is an original guide book divided into 10 chapters. It shows how to live your life and achieve happiness. It is full of Bible quotations and real life examples. More specifically, this book is about giving money away. The author says, "The getting myth is our culture's big lie" and explains why the American dream is a lie. He also says that "the happiest people are those who have learned (or are learning) to give away themselves and their resources".

The author highlights the fact that when you give up the need for material things you become free and happy. Full of real life examples, this book shows readers how to become free and how to start giving out and becoming generous persons. The reward is joy and great happiness, Steven assures them. The book has suggestions for giving in some sections, and stresses the importance of charity throughout its chapters.

It is written in a clear and simple style and can be read by everybody interested in this issue. Charity is an important issue for all faiths and beliefs though, and if this book had not focused on Christianity solely, it would have been suitable for everyone on earth regardless their religion. However, since the author justifies his examples and theories via the Bible, it caters to a Christian audience all over the world. It is a book that can inspire people and make them better persons, so I recommend it to everyone who wants to help other people and his community.

— Liana Metal,
Reviewer

Stephen B. McSwain makes a bold statement – that giving will lead to the life you’ve always wanted. Although many of us have been raised with the idea that we should be generous, most of us aren’t giving nearly as much as we could. This book explores the giving myths many of us believe. Basing his opinions on years of working in church fundraising, McSwain explains why these myths persist, and why they’re false beliefs.

Quoting several passages from the Bible, he shows how churches have misinterpreted the words of Jesus and the prophets in order to coerce their congregations into giving more. When guilt tactics fail, the churches turn to encouraging members to become involved to motivate them to generosity. Other topics include the standard of tithing, and equal and fair share giving. And some folks believe they simply can’t afford to give.

But once McSwain debunks all of these myths, he reassures us that if we can look past the myths and give generously – to our church or spiritual center, and also to our favorite charities – God will grant us the life we’ve always wanted. While we may not be showered with material things, we will be given all we need, plus the peace of mind in knowing that we will always be provided for. And isn’t that all we really need, anyway?

— Alice Berger,
Reviewer