ePub Unleashing Opportunity: Why Escaping Poverty Requires a Shared Vision of Justice by Michael Gerson; Stephanie Summers; Katie Thompson in History

Review

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Matters of law and matters of love.By cliffGerson; Summers; and Thompson offer a helpful overview of a number of factors which contribute to economic and social disparity in America. The structure of the text is very helpful in accomplishing its goals. Each chapter contains explanations of the point at issue and action steps which may be taken in response. Early in the text it is helpfully explained that societal woes may be understood as “a mix of structural and human needs – matters of law and matters of love.” It is argued that it is “the precondition for public justice: to make the invisible visible.” The book takes a two-prong stance of contending for both political engagement but; perhaps more importantly; individual responsibility.Christian communities are called to engage with the political system. The government is understood as a societal institution with the power to enact public justice – but it is not the sole proprietor of responsibility for justice. The text calls readers to do something – anything – but not everything. Readers are presented with an overview of the problems and invited into the dilemma via academic discourse and voices of individuals close to the issue at hand.The role of Christians as pursuers and enactors of public justice is taken seriously and portrayed as a great responsibility. The Center for Public Justice has set forth a helpful text for both understanding issues in child development; foster care; juvenile justice; education; and lending; but it also frames them in such a way as to call for heartfelt engagement in whatever issue ignites you passion.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. A Christian Vision for Economic Justice Without the PoliticsBy Dave KetterFor as long as Christians in the modern era have been after a Christian vision of economic justice in Western society; it's been difficult for many authors to separate an application of economic justice that is faithful to the Scriptures and separate from specific political ideologies. The strength of Gerson; Summer; and Thompson's work is that they've set the ideologies aside and honed in on the economic challenges and injustices faced by the most vulnerable in American society. As an urban pastor; I can attest that they have rightly assessed the challenges faced by the children and their parents in the depressed urban segments of our society. The solutions offered are level-headed; and not ideologically driven; but offer a hope and a way for Christians--whatever their particular vocation--to engage the call to seek the welfare of the cities where the Lord has placed us. I heartily recommend this book to all who are desire to see the city flourish.2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. This book discusses important issues around justice and equal opportunity ...By SusieThis book discusses important issues around justice and equal opportunity in this country. It outlines a Christian perspective on human flourishing as applied to these issues. It is full of compelling examples of nonprofit and alternative organizations who have effectively met the needs that arise out of poverty. The only drawback is its brevity. Overall; it's an accessible book that inspires thought and action.