FROM MY BOOKSHELF: What to Do About Poverty?

By LeRoy Lawson Jeffrey D. Sachs, The End of Poverty: Economic Possibilities for Our Time (New York: Penguin Books, 2005). William Easterly, The White Man”s Burden: Why the West”s Efforts to Aid the Rest Have Done So Much Ill and So Little Good (New York: Penguin Books, 2006). Paul Collier, The Bottom Billion: Why the Poorest Countries Are Failing and What Can Be Done About It (Oxford University Press, 2007). Ruby K. Payne, Philip Devol, Terie Dreussi Smith, Bridges Out of Poverty: Strategies for Professionals and Communities (Aha! Process, 2001). What can one 21st century middle-class American””or even one nation””do

May 13, 2007

Jim Herbst

Culture & Public Square Justice

God, Guns, and Economic Apologetics

Economic justice and the church’s witness Economic justice comes into sharper focus when living in poorer neighborhoods reveals how deeply economic standing shapes daily life, church challenges, and the way believers relate to one another. This article reflects on the Bible’s attention to justice and generosity, then offers practical suggestions for both wealthy Christians and poorer churches. Economic disparities can shape trust, opportunity, and long-term stability in a community. Scripture repeatedly addresses justice, mercy, and the spiritual dangers of favoritism. Both wealthy Christians and poorer churches can take concrete steps toward healthier relationships and clearer witness. By Jim Herbst Diane,