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: Another naysayer weighs in . . .
Summary: 1 Stars
'I also disagree with those that would say the Western World's wealth is totally due to our own efforts. No doubt, the US and other wealthy nations are rich largely because of democracy, capitalism, and the resolve and hard work of their citizens, but I don't buy the idea that we've allowed third world countries the same opportunities. It is completely naive to think that our government and multinational corporations don't often act in the interests of ourselves while at the expense of other nations.'Actually what's completely naive is the belief that the West has increased profits by denying opportunities to the Third World. However well we've done on our own steam, we'd have done better still with greater economic interaction; it's a matter of basic economic fact that BOTH the West AND the Third World would be better off with complete freedom of trade.
However, it ~is~ true that governments and corporations do cooperate to promote their own ~short-term~ interests at the expense of others. (Please note that corporations wouldn't be able to do this alone; it's only with government aid that they can impose trade restrictions on their competition. And the 'corporation' is a creation of the government anyway, folks.)
But the problems aren't what the economically naive would expect - and nor are they what Ronald Sider tells you they are. For example, those nasty multinationals who employ cheap foreign labor are actually doing a ~good~ thing. The ~bad~ thing is not that they employ the poor, but that their host governments give them ~exclusive rights~ to employ the poor. This government-imposed trade barrier eliminates competition and keeps the market from driving wages up to the global level.
So when Ronald Sider starts calling for an end to trade barriers so that EVERYONE can benefit from the rewards of peaceful commerce, I'll listen. But as of right now, he's attacking the wrong targets.
Book Review: Not what the naysayers say
Summary: 5 Stars
I think the people that trash this book are missing the point. Sider does not promote marxism. He calls for democracy in the last chapter. But even if his political suggestions sound a little off, well, I don't think that was the point of his writing the book anyway. I'm sure it had more to do with the many Christians of the world that do nothing or only small, token deeds to help the world's poor.Also, if anyone would complain that this book's point is to guilt-trip us into helping the poor, I think Sider makes it clear that it isn't his goal. I think he himself sufficiently acknowledges that he and others won't be able to live up to the idealism he presents, but that that doesn't mean we can't at least try to change our ways.
I also disagree with those that would say the Western World's wealth is totally due to our own efforts. No doubt, the US and other wealthy nations are rich largely because of democracy, capitalism, and the resolve and hard work of their citizens, but I don't buy the idea that we've allowed third world countries the same opportunities. It is completely naive to think that our government and multinational corporations don't often act in the interests of ourselves while at the expense of other nations.
Anyway, the book is great. Maybe it's good to take some parts with a grain of salt. I think the important thing to take away from the book is that we shouldn't allow hardness of heart to justify selfishness and apathy toward the poor. Whether you agree with the book or not, remember the opportunities we have to do something about the suffering many other people endure.
Book Review: A "Toe Stepping" book with practical recommendations
Summary: 5 Stars
Ronald Sider's classic Christian Social Action book still (after 20-something years) convicts the Western conscience and offers practical suggestions to living a life-style that is different from the world. In a time period where there seems to be very few ministers who are willing to speak against the unpopular social evils of our society Dr. Sider's book stands out as a message of truth. Instead of fearing the result of telling "Rich Christians" (which most of us are within America) that they (we) have to live different if they are going to follow the commands of their Lord, Sider speaks this message boldly. This book is not an easy read, in that I was convicted of my own failings as I read each chapter. Yet, this book has a message that is very important for Christians to understand. We have to live lifestyles to take care of the needy. We have to put their needs before our own. If you want to hear a message that will change what you mean by loving your brother (change it from a love of word to a love of deed) then you need to read this book.Book Review: Still piercing and relevant after 20 years
Summary: 5 Stars
The book is excellent. It deals step by step with all theissues at hand - what is the situation in the world today, who ispoor, who is rich, what does the bible say about poverty, what doesthe bible say about christian living (with regard to finances). Every Christian would do well to read this book with an open mind, and if they have the courage to follow Ron's suggestions fully then they are braver than I am yet! END
Book Review: Caught between the Bible and statistics
Summary: 5 Stars
Ron Sider does an extraordinary job of laying contemporary economic statistics against Bible passage after Bible passage -- and you come to your own clarity as a result. This book is specific, cogent, and objective -- with his own prejudices confessed to -- and it has detailed ideas for ways to shape your own life in response. Good, old-fashioned Bible study for those of us in a free-wheeling 21st century economy... including those not used to Bible study!