Dimensions
217 x 144 x 20mm
The Christian church has fallen into the bad habit of creating programs to help the poor when in reality the only people they are helping are themselves, creating a toxic charity that needs to be reexamined and fixed. Churches are sending groups of people on short term service trips-whether overseas or to the poorer part of their towns-in an effort to help alleviate their troubles and help them live healthier, happier lives. These charitable groups pick up trash, build houses, plant trees, or dig wells, but often the recipients of this "charity" feel worse and have no more tools than before to reverse their situation. And the real tragedy is that there is plenty of evidence for what truly brings help and hope-- and some pioneering organizations doing this work.
In this groundbreaking book, Lupton shows how good-intentioned people are actually hurting the very people they're trying to help. The poor end up feeling judged, looked down upon, only worthy of charity and handouts that end up making them more dependent instead of learning skills to help themselves. Churches, though good-intentioned, have missed the mark when it comes to serving the poor, creating a toxic form of charity. Lupton says that a better system would be to treat the poor as business partners, empowering them to start businesses, build houses, plan communities, etc. Lupton offers specific organizations that are following this healthier model of charity and gives practical ideas for how to get involved in service projects that truly help. Together, we can serve our world in a way that actually effects life-altering change.
