Rating: 
Summary: Engaging Life Story
Review: For those of you looking for a book about trading commodities, "God in the Pits" is not for you. Although there are some interesting musings about life on the trading floor within the pages of this book, "God in the Pits" really tackles issues much more significant than trading. At the core of this book is Mr. Ritchie's account of his own spiritual and religious questions as they relate to significant (and sometimes tragic) events throughout his life. Through a remarkably revealing personal account, Mr. Ritchie takes us from the deserts of Afghanistan to the shores of Oregon and on to the trading pits of Chicago. In the process, Mr. Ritchie shares with the reader a stimulating ideological debate about the reality of religion in his life, and how he was able to reconcile within himself some difficult questions. For anyone who has ever questioned their faith, and who also enjoys a life story of nearly epic proportions, this book IS for you.
Rating:
Summary: Engaging Life Story
Review: For those of you looking for a book about trading commodities, "God in the Pits" is not for you. Although there are some interesting musings about life on the trading floor within the pages of this book, "God in the Pits" really tackles issues much more significant than trading. At the core of this book is Mr. Ritchie's account of his own spiritual and religious questions as they relate to significant (and sometimes tragic) events throughout his life. Through a remarkably revealing personal account, Mr. Ritchie takes us from the deserts of Afghanistan to the shores of Oregon and on to the trading pits of Chicago. In the process, Mr. Ritchie shares with the reader a stimulating ideological debate about the reality of religion in his life, and how he was able to reconcile within himself some difficult questions. For anyone who has ever questioned their faith, and who also enjoys a life story of nearly epic proportions, this book IS for you.
Rating:
Summary: Read but heed!
Review: I've rated this book five stars but can only recommend it to those who will honestly look at themselves and listen to what the author is saying. This book is NOT primarily about commodities trading although traders (especially "part-timers") should read it. It's an autobiography that starts with the author's means of livelihood but then moves into a far more important aspect of his life - something few have the honesty to think about, and of which fewer still are willing to write about publicly. After trading a small account (and losing) for a year I ran across this book. I was excited and encouraged by the author's successes but chose to ignore or downplay his failures and warnings. "Surely that wouldn't happen to me, a Christian...after all, my motives are of the highest order [or are they?] and I would gladly donate half of what I make to good causes" [as long as it's half of a million]. In short, I didn't fully understand the subject which comes out as the main focus of this book, and because of this, I didn't heed the warning to us over-confident part-timers. Nevertheless, after near-bankruptcy three years later, I have a much better understanding of the more important things Mark Ritchie attempts to convey. On second thought, based on the main focus of the book, I FULLY recommend it to all who can get their hands on it! Better to expose underlying bankruptcy and hypocrisy now, thus creating desire for a cure, rather than later when the remedy is no longer offered. I dare you to read it with an open and honest mind, but be especially careful, and read some of the primary source material cited. If this doesn't stir up your thinking you probably can't be stirred!
Rating:
Summary: A challenging read
Review: Mark Ritchie gets to the heart of financial matters by getting straight to the heart. His honest account of his struggle with trading, finances and God is not only an entertaining read, but a spiritual challenge. This is a must read for every trader and every Christian who has battled with finances and God.
Rating:
Summary: God in the Pits by Mark A. Ritchie
Review: This book is a must for those searching questions about their own identity, how we fit into the grand schemes of life and Where is God in all of the difficulties of life? My pilgrimmage has been very similar except I am not a commodities trader. I have been involved on the other side as a relief and development worker along the Thai/ Cambodian border and also in Afghanstan for the last 20 years. I was amazed to find these two connections within a book about commodities. However, the issues of suffering and the questions raised by the author are a must for all serious thinkers. The issue of ethics and morality raised are also issues to be pondered by those involved in finances as well as the relief and development community.
Rating:
Summary: THE ONLY BOOK WHERE THE AUTHOR TELLS SO MUCH ABOUT HIMSELF
Review: This book is unique. You will not find the magic formula for making money in commodities that so many other books promise and none seem to ever deliver. Here the author takes you on a trip through his mind and heart to explore the self, his family and other social relationships, his career as a commodities trader and his experiments with God himself! It gives one the courage to understand that just how the author had to scramble for a forgotten potato in the refridgerator to becoming a millionaire! The nice thing you will find here is an honest man explaining the good and bad about his life which many of us would prefer to hide. Many people try to create an "external self" to the public which is not true, but this book is different. Also quite impressive is the author's family struggle to help the poor in Afghanistan where they went to the point of even adopting an entire family and "set them on their feet" in the United States. In short, God has given us and we must give to others is the best lesson to learn from this author.
Rating:
Summary: THE ONLY BOOK WHERE THE AUTHOR TELLS SO MUCH ABOUT HIMSELF
Review: This book is unique. You will not find the magic formula for making money in commodities that so many other books promise and none seem to ever deliver. Here the author takes you on a trip through his mind and heart to explore the self, his family and other social relationships, his career as a commodities trader and his experiments with God himself! It gives one the courage to understand that just how the author had to scramble for a forgotten potato in the refridgerator to becoming a millionaire! The nice thing you will find here is an honest man explaining the good and bad about his life which many of us would prefer to hide. Many people try to create an "external self" to the public which is not true, but this book is different. Also quite impressive is the author's family struggle to help the poor in Afghanistan where they went to the point of even adopting an entire family and "set them on their feet" in the United States. In short, God has given us and we must give to others is the best lesson to learn from this author.
Rating:
Summary: Author Comment
Review: This week America has been tragically confronted with our ignorance of the Islamic mind. This maxim holds true from the highest level of our government to the person on the street.
Allow me to cite a few references from God in the Pits that will introduce the reader to the problem: Sawawb is an important component of a Muslim world view. [Cf p. 84] Until it is fully understood, our country will continue to be confused by evil behavior. Sawawb is merit credited by Allah to a follower who inflicts evil on a non-Muslim.
How about the life expectancy of a Muslim who comes to the conclusion that Mohammed was mistaken? [Cf pp. 47, 75, 76, 126]
Please do not accuse me of using a broad brush with which to paint all Muslims. I have many Muslims friends who believe that my interpretation of Mohammed is mistaken. The late leader of Egypt, Anwar Sadat, is an example of a great Muslim who disagreed with my interpretation of Islam. Sadat was killed by fellow Muslims who agree with my interpretation.
History will record September 11, 2001 as a fleeting victory for millions who love Mohammed and follow his teaching.
Rating:
Summary: Author Comment
Review: This week America has been tragically confronted with our ignorance of the Islamic mind. This maxim holds true from the highest level of our government to the person on the street.
Allow me to cite a few references from God in the Pits that will introduce the reader to the problem: Sawawb is an important component of a Muslim world view. [Cf p. 84] Until it is fully understood, our country will continue to be confused by evil behavior. Sawawb is merit credited by Allah to a follower who inflicts evil on a non-Muslim.
How about the life expectancy of a Muslim who comes to the conclusion that Mohammed was mistaken? [Cf pp. 47, 75, 76, 126]
Please do not accuse me of using a broad brush with which to paint all Muslims. I have many Muslims friends who believe that my interpretation of Mohammed is mistaken. The late leader of Egypt, Anwar Sadat, is an example of a great Muslim who disagreed with my interpretation of Islam. Sadat was killed by fellow Muslims who agree with my interpretation.
History will record September 11, 2001 as a fleeting victory for millions who love Mohammed and follow his teaching.
Rating:
Summary: Author comment
Review: This week America has been tragically confronted with our lack of understanding of the Islamic mind. This maxim holds true from the highest level of our government to the person on the street. Allow me to cite a few references from God in the Pits that will introduce the reader to the problem: Sawawb is an important component of a Muslim world view. [Cf p. 84] Until it is fully understood, our country will continue to be confused by evil behavior. Sawawb is the merit credited by Allah to a follower who inflicts evil on a non-Muslim.
How about the life expectancy of a Muslim who comes to the conclusion that Mohammed was mistaken? [Cf p. 47, 75, 76, 126]
Please do not accuse me of using a broad brush with which to paint all Muslims. There are, of course, many Muslims, and many friends of mine, who believe that my interpretation of Mohammed is mistaken. The late leader of Egypt, Anwar Sadat, is an example of a great Muslim who disagrees with my interpretation of Islam. Sadat was killed by fellow Muslims who agree with my interpretation. September 11, 2001 will be marked in history as a wicked moment of victory for those who understand the writings of Islam as I do.
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