GOD IN THE PITS: Confessions of a Commodities Trader

by Mark A. Ritchie ‧ RELEASE DATE: July 1, 1989

Ritchie seems to have managed the biblically impossible task of serving both God and Mammon. An observant (albeit live-and-let-live) Christian, the author has earned a considerable fortune in Chicago's rough-and-tumble futures markets. On the evidence of his low-key text, which combines a spiritual autobiography and personal memoir with a rags-to-riches success story, he's also an extremely rewarding writer. Ritchie's boyhood was spent in Afghanistan (where his Calvinist father worked as a sort of missionary engineer) and in a small lumber town on the Oregon coast. After graduating from high school in 1966, he spent seven years scrimping through college. Along the way, the author, who found many opportunities to test his faith, acquired a genuine partner, wife Nancy. Initially at least, their union endured the trials of Job. By the late 1970's, however, Ritchie had begun to carve out a career for himself in the Windy City's commodities pits, which rank among capitalism's more demanding and venal venues. Never smug or sanctimonious, he makes a generally persuasive job here of recounting how he reconciles golden-rule beliefs with the commercial realities of his risky business. Challenged by Nancy, for example, Ritchie toured post-Vietnam refugee camps on his own and brought a Cambodian family into their homes. The Ritchies contribute sizable sums to their church and take care to see the money is spent--productively. Obviously aware that his insistence that Christians live up to the teachings of the Master will win him few friends among organized religions, the author pokes gentle fun at tree believers and ideologues (e.g., wondering whether premarital sex could lead to dancing). Nor are his oft-expressed views that amateurs should not speculate in commodities calculated to endear him to fellow traders who make fine livings from the public. Another Mark (with the last name of Twain), is said to have remarked on ""the calm confidence of a Christian with four aces."" Ritchie has this sort of assurance and more, which he shares in a very special book.

Pub Date: July 1, 1989

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Macmillan

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 15, 1989

Categories: NONFICTION