The Lodestar

"Rich Christians in an Age of Hunger" first published in 1978 has an ongoing impact on how believers (and churches) view questions of poverty and hunger. Sider’s insights provide a compelling look at what it means to follow Christ in the contemporary world.

Listed as one of the one hundred most influential books in religion in the 20th century, the title is revised, expanded, and updated. It is a resource for Christians seeking to overcome poverty and change the economic structures of our world. This book challenges affluent Christians to live simpler and to share their resources with the poor.

The book begins by presenting startling statistics about world poverty and the huge disparity between the 'haves' and the have-nots.' Sider then argues that the Bible teaches that God's will for the economic relationships of man is to have justice for the poor. He cites many biblical passages that support this view, including the Jubilee laws of the Old Testament, the words of Jesus to the rich young ruler, and the teachings of Paul.

Sider then goes on to discuss the practical implications of this biblical teaching for affluent Christians. He argues that Christians should lead simple lives, give more to charity, and work for social justice. He also challenges us to reconsider our priorities and to ask ourselves what is important in life.

This book is not only challenging but also hopeful as Sider suggests that affluent Christians can make a difference in their world. It has been widely influential and has helped spark a renewed interest in Christian social justice.