Rich Christians in an Age of Hunger: Moving from Affluence to Generosity by Ronald J. Sider Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of Rich Christians in an Age of Hunger: Moving from Affluence to Generosity
Book Review: Thought it was a good eye opener for us
Summary: 5 Stars
I used to live with a girl from a third world country. On september 11th she came home and looked me in the face and told me that my country deserved terrorism. I personally was shocked. I knew very little about what rich countries were doing to her country in the way of debt, tariffs etc. and why she would even think that. Now I'm not sure that the U.S. really deserved the events of september 11th, but I would have to say that there is a clearly biblical mandate to help the poor, and if that means changing govt. policies, and thinking about ourselves in a different way Christians have a responsability to do so. We have a responsability to promote justice in the world. God clearly wants justice for all of his people, and charging one person more because they are poor is injustice. A few years ago I attended Urbana and happened upon a group from England called "Speak". At that time I wasn't sure what our role for the poor should be, as they were, but since then God has convicted me through the use of many friends about the U.S's role in foreign development. I think that we should have more than 1 speak group in the U.S. I'm was very thankful for this book, as it reaffirmed my thoughts as of late, I would recommend it to anyone who is thinking about these issues. I recommend you reach out to internationals and ask them what the living conditions are like in their countries, and their trade status, and industrialization rate etc. Then you can judge for yourself if we the rich nations are fair with them. I read several of the negative reviews about this book also, and I must say that the selfish attitude of the culture that we live in must be done away with. Too often we think of ourselves first, when God clearly says in Philipians2:3-4 that we should, "regard one another as more important than yourselves". This book advocates that, and for that reason it is a really good read.
Book Review: A Solid Foundation
Summary: 5 Stars
Ron Sider's work will surely shake the very foundation upon which we all stand. It is not simply a book about hunger, but a book which speaks to the heart of christian affluence and complacency - calling us all to the higher standards of all humanity (being a world christian), as opposed to self-focused living. Even more, Rich Christians calls us to examine our lives by Biblical standards, taking seriously the challenges of the Law, Prophets, and Christ, Himself. Unlike so many discouraging works, Sider also deconstructs answers, provides suggestions, and locates resources. This book is a must read and critiques Western culture by a Biblical standard.Book Review: Having a Heart for the World
Summary: 5 Stars
After reading the reviews posted, all I can say is that this book proclaims real biblical truth. While I am not an economist, and cannot verify the soundness of the economic theory, the main message of the book is certainly true: there are lots and lots of desperately poor people around the world, and God loves them; and who God loves, we should love too. It is so hard living in the West, especially in a wealthy country like the USA, to have a global perspective that constantly keeps in mind and has compassion for the suffering of the poor in the third world. And considering how much Jesus talks about money and the dangers of being rich, it is valuable to read a book that challenges us to instead store up treasures in heaven. The central messages of this book are really uncontroversial in light of scripture: God loves the poor. We should give generously and effectively. We should love the poor. That's really what this book is saying. From Ron Sider's repeated disclaimers and prefaces to his specific economic suggestions, it doesn't seem Ron Sider is saying there is only one definite way that will truly help the poor. All he's saying is that we must help them. Do unto others.... Overall, I really enjoyed reading this book. The third section was pretty dry and difficult to get through (but with important facts and figures), but the the rest of the book is convicting and inspiring. This is a book that every Christian should read--and approach with an open heart and willingness to make lifestyle changes. Reading this book as a Christian in America is a lot like Jesus' confrontation with the rich young ruler; and after reading it, many people go away sad (or angry!). But imagine the joy in store for the person who really takes this biblical call to love the poor seriously...it's immeasurable.Book Review: This book contributed to 10 wasted years in the inner city.
Summary: 1 Stars
Please, this book is so misleading and out of touch with the realities of poverty & economics that it should be ignored.I worked as a church-based social activist in Boston for nearly 10 years as the director of the Cambridge Institute. The mind-set revealed in this book was one of the greatest hinderances to real social change through economic advancement that I encountered in my work.
Envy, resentment and ignorance concerning how economic activity really happens in a fallen world characterizes this work. The wealthy often come into money because they know how to handle it profitably. Those who do not know how to handle it lose it.
Fortuantely I overcame the mind-numbing effects of Ron Sider, Tony Compolo, and Tom Sine early enough not to waste my life on their misinterpretations of the gospel. I hope you can avoid the trap too.
Don't buy this book -- but if you must read it read some good economic theory -- try Ludwig von Mises or Friedrich Hayek to retain your sanity.
Yes, God loves the poor -- but he wants us to help them -- not make their povery worse.
Book Review: Challenging read, but well worth the effort.
Summary: 4 Stars
Despite the over use of the term, I can sincerely call this book "life-changing". It led me to reconsider my relationship with the poor and what that said about my relationship with God. The book should challenge anyone calling themselves a Christian into thinking deeply about materialism and greed. I doubt that anyone living in the US could read this book and not find areas of their lives that need to change.The author's use of a myriad of statistics and UN reports proves to be the weak point. Although heart stirring, the data slows the book down and complicates reading. Also, until the final section, the book leaves the reader wishing to do something, but not knowing what. Overall, the style of the writing does match up with the quality of the content (which accounts for the missing star in the rating).
Luckily this book concentrates on content. The view of the poor is excellent; the call for repentance is strong; and the suggested solutions are helpful. I would recommend this book to anyone living in an industrialized nation that is trying to imitate Christ.
"'How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God!'"