Christianity versus Fatalistic Religions in the War Against Poverty

by Udo Middelmann

Overview

Most literature and many aid efforts concerned with poverty relief and development function on mathematical assumptions. Those who have more should share with those who have less, thus creating equality. Some would add a moral component saying that those having more are morally wrong and must have gained their surplus from outright theft or unfair trade. But on the side of the needy, religious and secular efforts see only a material problem. Both neglect the devastating power of bad ideas based in religion and social customs. Yet what anyone believes about the building blocks of life will have results; their ideas are like eye glasses that either distort or bring into focus an objective reality. Development work must focus on developing people's ideas. Cultural change must precede material changes.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780830856268
Publisher:	InterVarsity Press
Publication date:	08/28/2008
Edition description:	Special Edition
Pages:	219
Product dimensions:	5.50(w) x 8.40(h) x 0.60(d)

About the Author

Udo Middlemann, who holds degrees in law and theology, is the president of the Francis A. Schaeffer Foundation. He has lectured widely on ethics and society in many countries on all continents and regularly publishes Footnotes. He has written Pro-Existence and The Market-Driven Church and authored numerous articles and chapters.

Table of Contents

Introduction
Chapter 1. Water and Worldviews
Chapter 2. Bread, Fish, and a Better Focus
Chapter 3. A Community of Character
Chapter 4. Servants? Hearts and Skills
Chapter 5. Worldviews in Collision
Chapter 6. Ethics in the Circle of Life
Chapter 7. Gutsy Christians
Chapter 8. The Samaritan Appeal
Postscript

What People are Saying About This

Darrow Miller

"If you have a heart for the poor . . . This book is a must read."

Editorial Reviews

"If you have a heart for the poor . . . This book is a must read."

Darrow Miller