Christian authors have argued either for a free market solution to global poverty or for a radical reform of global capitalism but the theological underpinnings of such conclusions are noticeable by their absence.Justin Thacker offers a new way forward. He suggests deeply theological answers to questions around the effect of capitalism on global poverty.

Justin Thacker

Global Poverty

Acknowledgements

Introduction

PART 1 Creation

The image of God and the dignity of humanity

The problem of paternalism

The nature of poverty

PART 2 Fall

The nature, depth and breadth of sin

Sin, taxes and debt – who owes whom?

Structural sin – are we really guilty?

PART 3 Israel

Israel's mission

Exodus

Jubilee

Laws

Prophets

PART 4 Redemption

The gospel and salvation

Secular theories of development

Theologies of development

PART 5 Consummation

New heavens and new earth1

The poor always with you

The problem of aid utopianism

So why should we bother?

Conclusion: the question of equality

EpilogueWhat does this mean in practice?

Bibliography

Index of Bible References

Index of Names and Subjects

While a number of secular philosophers have written on global poverty, theologians have either steered clear entirely or simply mimicked the political analysis currently on offer. As such, there are a number of Christian authors who have argued either for a free market solution to global poverty or for a radical reform of global capitalism as the best approach, but the theological underpinnings of such conclusions are noticeable by their absence. This book offers a new way forward. It offers deeply theological answers to questions around the effect of capitalism on global poverty and whether aid is really a sustainable long term solution for the world's poor. It will challenge theologians, church leaders and congregations to consider much more seriously the huge implications of faith and theology on our attitude to the1.2 billion people in the world who live in extreme poverty.

At last - a thorough, graceful, nuanced and compelling theological engagement with capitalism and development. Avoiding easy stereotypes, false certainties, and cheap point-scoring, Thacker's book looks at global poverty through the lenses of Creation, Fall, Israel, Redemption and Consummation, to produce what he terms a 'symphonic account' of the theology of poverty. While Christians all over the world have intuitively been responding to poverty in many of the ways Thacker suggests, now we will be able to do so with renewed focus and strength, armed with this robust primer on why it is a theological imperative that we do so with urgency. -- Eve Poole

Justin Thacker is a lecturer in practical and public theology at Cliff College. He is the author of Postmodernism and the Ethics of Theological Knowledge (2007) and co-editor of "Micah's Challenge: The Church's Responsibility to the Global Poor" (2008). He has spoken regularly at some of the UK's major Christian conferences, including Spring Harvest and has written for the Guardian newspaper and Third Way.

\- Offers a rare systematic approach to understanding global poverty from a theological perspective - An important resource for use within formal theological education but equally practical enough to be valuable to pastors/teachers in church seeking to inform and equip their congregations practically - Justin Thacker speaks frequently at some of the UKs major Christian conferences, including Spring Harvest

While a number of secular philosophers have written on global poverty, theologians have either steered clear entirely or simply mimicked the political analysis currently on offer. Christian authors have argued either for a free market solution to global poverty or for a radical reform of global capitalism as the best approach, but the theological underpinnings of such conclusions are noticeable by their absence. Justin Thacker offers a new way forward. He suggests deeply theological answers to questions around the effect of capitalism on global poverty and whether aid is really a sustainable long term solution for the world's poor. This book will challenge theologians, church leaders and congregations to consider much more seriously the huge implications of faith and theology on our attitude to those who live in extreme poverty.

If you ever thought that theologians should stay in their ivory towers, safely out of harm's way, and that those who want to change our world for the good should be left to get on with the job at hand…. think again! Justin Thacker combines a deep theological understanding with a strong knowledge of economic theories of poverty relief, and a clear compassion for our struggling planet and its people, to provide a brilliant theological analysis that will inform and challenge all of us who long to bring about a better world. He shows that some of the best efforts to alleviate poverty are being done precisely by those who are grounding their work most closely in a well thought-out theological understanding of what they're doing. This is a superb book and I encourage you to read it

At last - a thorough, graceful, nuanced and compelling theological engagement with capitalism and development. Avoiding easy stereotypes, false certainties, and cheap point-scoring, Thacker's book looks at global poverty through the lenses of Creation, Fall, Israel, Redemption and Consummation, to produce what he terms a 'symphonic account' of the theology of poverty. While Christians all over the world have intuitively been responding to poverty in many of the ways Thacker suggests, now we will be able to do so with renewed focus and strength, armed with this robust primer on why it is a theological imperative that we do so with urgency.

Dr Justin Thacker has produced a resolutely theological, rather than pragmatic, analysis of global poverty. Justin's writing is steeped in theological and biblical study, but he is also at home in the currents of contemporary political and economic discussion, and the interaction between these things means the book is also full of practical insights as to what we can - and should - do."

Thacker is not only a very capable theologian, he also has extensive practical experience of aid work. 'Global Poverty' contributes to practical debates about aid, and includes some cutting critiques of the approaches adopted by major Christian development agencies. This is a must-read for anyone involved in aid work and for those who contribute to it.

This book is readable, resolute and profoundly relevant to the concerns and pains of a divided world. It could help most of us to think more deeply, care more persistently, and look at the needs of God's world with fuller insight and humility. I commend it with conviction.

Thacker's excellent book is a challenge to rethink poverty and to better understand its causes so that our response can be more effective. I highly recommend it- it puts overseas aid into its proper context and invites us to respond in ways that could make a real difference.

Part 1: Creation 1. The image of God and the dignity of humanity 2. The problem of paternalism 3. The nature of poverty Part 2: Fall 4. The nature, depth and breadth of sin 5. Sin, taxes and debt - who owes whom? 6. Structural sin - are we really guilty? Part 3: Israel 7. Israel's mission 8. Exodus 9. Jubilee 10. Laws 11. Prophets Part 4: Redemption 12. The gospel and salvation 13. Secular theories of development 14. Theologies of development Part 5: Consummation 15. New heavens and new earth 16. The poor always with you 17. The problem of aid utopianism 18. So why should we bother? 19. Conclusion: the question of equality Epilogue - What does this mean in practice?

\["For theologians and church leaders addressing social issues", "Challenges your views on capitalism and global poverty", "You will gain a deeper understanding of faith\\u2019s impact"\]

This theological guide explores the complex relationship between Christianity and global poverty.

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Global Poverty

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