Rich Christians in an Age of Hunger: Moving from Affluence to Generosity [Paperback]

Though at times this work might err on the side of diatribe, Sider has nevertheless done a fine job of providing statistics, history, and Biblical evidence (see below, however) to support his bold call for Christians of all backgrounds -- and evangelicals in particular -- to be aware of and concerned about the grave economic imbalances that exist between and the consequent injustices resulting from the wealthy and resource-gobbling Western Europe, America, and Japan on the one hand, and the remainder of the developing world on the other. These imbalances and injustices set the stage for a whole host of other specific problems, none of which Sider seems to miss in the enormous amount of statistics gathered and compiled for this project.

A somewhat unfortuante negative of the book has to do with Sider's use of Scripture in support of his message. While one does not have to read too far into the Hebrew Scriptures to find very real concerns for the poor and oppressed, Sider unfortunately tips the scales a bit and might read more of this emphasis back into them than they are willing to offer. As has been the case throughout history, one can always find Scripture to support just about any imaginable agenda -- environmentalism, advocacy for the poor, support of African American slavery and subsequent segregation, various political agendas, oppression of women, et. al. In this case, I tend to believe that it is somewhat dangerous to demand that Scripture speak to contemporary American (or international) politics and economics, regardless of particular persuasion. Additionally, I was a bit disappointed in the lack of simple suggestions as to how Christians can go about addressing some of his concerns in their own communities and the world community at large. There are obviously no simple solutions to these problems, but the amount of information in the book vis-a-vis "application," if you will, is less than proportionate.

Overall, this is a deeply challenging and eye-opening read, and a much needed wake up call to the churches of wealthy America and Western Europe. Though his methods may be a bit rough around the edges, his message is clear: [rich] Christians have a lot of work to do, both inwardly on themselves, and outwardly on the suffering world around them.

Up to now, most of us have been denying the challenges of poverty to avoid feelings of guilt. What we need to do today is remind everyone that economic justice is about compassion not guilt. We can practice our compassion by doing our best to be more generous everyday. In the business world, this is known as "continuous improvement."

Some good companions to this book are Opting For The Poor by P.J. Henriot S.J, How Much Is Enough? by Arthur Simon, and Unexpected News by Robt. M. Brown. These great books inspired me to compile a social ministry manual which is online and free at www.slu.edu/departments/church/SocialMinistry.htm .

Just looking over the "attack reviews" here is pretty revealing. One reviewer seethes with anger over the idea of putting others interests ahead of his own. Have you never read Paul? To wit:

Ro 9:3 "For I could wish that I myself were accursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my brethren, my kinsmen by race."

Php 2:3 "Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves."

Or how about Jesus:

Mt 16:24 "Jesus told his disciples, 'If any man would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.'"

Lu 6:20 "Blessed are you poor, for yours is the kingdom of God."

Matt 25:44 "Then they also will answer, 'Lord, when did we see thee hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to thee?' 45 Then he will answer them, 'Truly, I say to you, as you did it not to one of the least of these, you did it not to me.' 46 And they will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life."

Along with all of this are the typical misrepresentations of Sider's theology: he advocates Marxism (no, he actually supports local-government control of affairs as the best way to bring about change); he thinks people should eat even if they don't work (never said that? where?); he is a liberal (actually he was schooled in Christian apologetics early on by John Warwick Montgomery); he is against earning a living (so laughable as to not even deserve a response). To those who persist in these ad hominem attacks, I say one thing: Ex 20:16!

So the idea of America being "rich because others are poor" is sheer nonsense, eh? Tell this to the Native Americans who were the victims of a near-genocidal attempt at taking away their homeland? (If you think I'm parroting what I know nothing about, look at Klamath County, Oregon, which in the days before the white settlers was a land rich in the fishing industry. Look at the area's current struggles SINCE we took over.) Tell this to African slaves who were used to practically build this country- to a large degree. Look into the history of things like "insurance policies" taken out on slaves as if they were property. Then look at how British and American interference in the Mid-East is STILL resulting in a turbulence- we build up dictatorial regimes & wonder why we are still hated over there & in other parts of the world as well. Bottom line: The U.S. is not perfect, not the "New Israel", not above committing sheer evil. Stop acting as if we are.

What bothers me the most about Sider's opponents is this: what if we really ARE wrong in the way we approach public policy in regards to poverty & wealth and the Bible has something to say about it? Not an outlandish idea since this happened to Israel. The detractors of this theology would have us bury our heads in the sand & not search our hearts & the scriptures & listen to the Spirit, since our Capitalism has already been "justified" in our eyes.

Go ahead and buy your books by dominionist heretics like Chilton. You need your conscious salved between now and the separation of sheep and goats. Make sure you stock up on some good systematic theology to keep you with the illusion that you are "predestined" to go to heaven and nothing you will do can keep you from that destiny, so you won't have to spend your nights awake bothered by the verses that place responsibility to repent on YOU. You don't want God to tell you that he is lord even of your wallet, so why bother? OR...maybe you would like to approach books like Sider's with an attitude of humility and resolve that you will do whatever GOD wants you to do with your life. Who knows, you might like submitting to God? His yoke is always easy!