BOOK REVIEW: RICH CHRISTIANS IN AN AGE OF HUNGER Moving from Affluence to Generosity (by Ronald J. Sider)

Book Reviewed by Patrick Blair on December 19, 2018

First Impression Versus Lasting Impression: I expected a book that is primarily focused on social injustice and the plight of the poor in contrast to church giving.  What I read certainly discussed those elements, but also had a tremendous focus on structural injustice.  I was surprised by the book’s in-depth, scholarly, data-driven analysis.

The Book in a Word: AUTHORITATIVE.

Summary: The author, Ronald J. Sider, methodically breaks down the issue raised by the title, Rich Christians in an Age of Hunger, in a lengthy, scholarly tome.

What I Liked the Most: was that the author’s plea is highly-reasoned and data driven.  Rather than tugging on raw emotion, Sider makes his scathing indictment of “Rich Christians” like an expert witness in a court of law.

What I liked the least: was simply the length and complexity of the book.  While intellectually fascinating, I would have appreciated more brevity.

Recommended for: those looking to gain a deeper appreciation of the global challenges of helping the poor.  I also recommend Rich Christians in an Age of Hunger for advanced Christian readers who are looking to deepen their convictions for helping the poor.  The book provides an authoritative backdrop and insights on helping the poor.

Not Recommended for: those seeking an emotional charge to help the poor.  There are many better books suited for that purpose that could take less of your time and be more motivating.

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Reading Level: Basic … Intermediate … Advanced to Scholarly.

Interesting Concept: The entire book is based on an interesting, elephant-in-the-room, concept, which contains many interesting sub-concepts.  The idea (and also fact) I found most interesting is that the U.S., including U.S. Christians, are some of the most selfish, in terms of giving money to the poor based on gross national income (GNI).  Similarly, “the richer we become, the less we share with others.” (p. 37 discussing how the U.S. was much more generous post WWII).

Great Quotes: “Do you know how much the average person in the U.S. gives to all charitable causes?  2.3 percent of their income.  Church members do a little better.” (p. 198).  “American Christians are the ‘most affluent single group of Christians in two thousand years of church history.’” (p. 199, fn. 41, quoting from Christian Smith, Michael O. Emerson, and Patricia Snell, Passing the Plate, New York: Oxford University Press, 2008).

Spiritual Content: A lot, but I would not categorize this a primarily theological book.  The book has a nice balance of scriptural interpretation, data, and suggested real-world application.

Book Citation: Sider, Ronald J. Rich Christians in an Age of Hunger: Moving from Affluence to Generosity. Nashville, TN: W Publishing Group, an Imprint of Thomas Nelson, 2015.

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