Hope Rising: How Christians Can End Extreme Poverty in This Generation

by Scott C. Todd

Extreme povertydoes not have to exist. When Christians accept that fact and start living accordingly, we will find the solution is already within our reach.

Worldwide, 19,000 children die from preventable deaths every day. If that statistic leaves you feeling powerless, you are not alone but you are wrong. If a false sense of powerlessness has lulled you into apathy, it s time to shake off the grogginess of low expectations and get to work. We can make this world a place where kids do not die from easily preventable diseases.

In "Hope Rising," Scott Todd of Compassion International pens a galvanizing, comprehensive vision of the movement that will eradicate extreme global poverty through transformative Christian generosity and do it within our lifetime. Todd provides riveting evidence to show that we are much closer to that goal than you might think.

According to Todd, we live in an historic moment, and chances are you are already part of it. The gospel is already reshaping lives from thoughtless consumption to informed concern. Twenty-first-century Christians are generating multi-continent grassroots movements through communications and travel. Public and private sectors are working together. It s a whole new era of philanthropy, compassion, and justice aimed at eradicating the pandemic of extreme global poverty.

This is a future we have the God-given power to create. This is the history we hope to write.

As Todd envisions, The twenty-first-century Christians embraced the entirety of their gospel the truths it proclaims and the muscles it demands with a new integrity. They did not deteriorate into humanist liberalism, as some had feared. Nor did they pile works on top of Grace They simply determined that their world did not need to have children dying of preventable causes such as dirty water.

Genres: Christian, Nonfiction

210 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 29, 2014

About the author

Scott C. Todd serves kids in low-income communities globally. Dr. Todd launched global HIV/AIDS programs, child survival programs, and home-based care for Highly Vulnerable Children in Africa, Asia and Latin America. He now works for OneChild, a global network of Child Champions bringing hope to hard places.
Prior to his work in global development, Dr. Todd received multiple grants and awards for his work in immunology, virology and oncology, including appointment as a National Lymphoma Foundation Scholar at Stanford University Medical Center.

Reviews

[Leah Good · Rating 3 out of 5]

For some this is a controversial and provocative position. Good! I want to provoke a debate because that would be healthy. It’s the indifference to the question that is killing us.

This quote sums up the entire book pretty well. Scott C. Todd, Senior Vice President for Global Advocacy at Compassion International, uses this book to propose that extreme poverty can be eradicated within this generation. He points to statistics showing a 50% decrease in extreme poverty over the past generation. He addresses the assumption that the poor will always be with us. He argues that this statement made by Jesus in Matthew 26:11 was addressed specifically to Judas to rebuke him for his misplaced priorities and was never meant to indicate that poverty is an insurmountable problem.

Hope Rising: How Christians Can End Extreme Poverty in This Generation is definitely a provocative book. It’s not one I would recommend sitting down and accepting without a lot of thought. It is meant to be thought about and wrestled with. I came to the conclusion that the author has many valid points about the potential of eradicating poverty, but I think he has an overly optimistic view on the goodwill of humanity in general. However, it’s very true that the church today has some incredible untapped potential. For example, did you know that 94% of money given in churches is spent within the church rather than being turned outward to help the poor and spread the gospel? Imagine the impact that could be had if even a fraction of that money was re-prioritized. I have a feeling I’ll be wrestling with the message of this book for quite a while.

NOTE: BookLook Bloggers provided me with a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions stated are my own.

[Cora · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was okay. I was really excited to read this book and started reading it a while back then forgot about it (it didn't seem to keep my interest so I guess that says something about it). I then got back around to reading it and it didn't really seem to be that ground breaking or new or novel or inspiring (at least to me). I think it could actually be summed up by saying we should all give 10% of our income (after taxes) to Compassion International. I really do love Compassion International and think they do great work, so I definitely would support the idea of everyone giving 10% to the cause.

[Abby Ruiz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book. I’ve been rereading it for years, and it never fails to convict, challenge, and inspire me. Todd has an electric writing voice that makes you forget he is not actually in the room with you. The message of this book is incredible — Christians can end extreme poverty in this generation. I always finish this book feeling closer to God’s heart and more determined to do whatever I can in the fight against poverty. 10/10.

[Deb Stucky · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thought provoking , challenged and changed my thinking !

[Katie Axelson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the hopefulness of this book. It was refreshing. However, reading the book now is also discouraging wondering how the situation has changed in the last few years.

[Calah Paulo · Rating 3 out of 5]

It stirs up a good cultural conversation, but the book seemed unnecessarily long.

[Luann · Rating 3 out of 5]

The author's if, then challenge at the end of chapter 7, is a call to Christ followers to step up in the fight against extreme poverty. He writes:

"If the forgiveness that comes by grace through faith is not an end in itself but rather a beginning, if it is a release from chains that kept us from a greater mission, and if our release from sin and engagement in God's mission are both part of the good news, then we Christians are an army, free and strong. (I am not a fan of the army imagery. Militant religion, Christian and otherwise, has left a bad taste in the mouths of many. I would offer the words "a force or power" as a replacement.)

We have been saved by grace, through faith, for a reason. We have be chosen, called, redeemed and equipped--for a reason. Ultimately, that reason is to bring God glory. Jesus made it clear that He expects us to do more than sit around and soak in His love as if it were a hot tub. Jesus' love is not a spa. His two great commands, to love God and love other people (Luke 10:27), require action. And so, the reason for our salvation, the purpose of our lives, must express itself in action to become fulfilled.

There ought to be millions of fellow workers in a position of collective power to restore the world. Not a self-generated power, but a Spirit-derived power. A God-loaned power. The power of the nobodies collectively guided and strengthen by the God who made it all and want to buy it all back. The relentlessly loving God has given us the power of his Holy Spirit. And, though seldom acknowledged, He has also loaned us powers of imagination, social influence, wealth, and creation.

As we consider the landscape of hurts in our world, the pain caused by extreme poverty stands out as one of the greatest sources of suffering. Ending it is one of our greatest opportunities to advance the common good and God's will on earth."

The subtitle reads, "How Christians Can End Extreme Poverty in This Generation." The book seemed to me to be more of an argument that it is possible but offers only a few concrete action steps. Nonetheless, changing our thinking and arriving at a widespread belief that we do have the power to end extreme poverty is certainly the first "how to" step.

[Amanda Cain · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you have visited The Nerdy Bookworm before, you have probably noticed the links along the sidebar to various charities, such as a Show Hope and Compassion. If you know me personally, you know that I believe we can do incredible things in our world, by the Grace of God, for the Glory of God.

That is why the tagline of Scott Todd’s Hope Rising, captured my attention: “How Christians can end Extreme Poverty in this Generation”. What an incredible goal!

Encouraging Christians to take action, to work for a world where extreme poverty (living on less than $1.25 a day) is a thing of the past, Todd reminds us that faith is not merely intellectual, but also active (James 2:14-17).

While I applaud Todd for his passion for children and families living in extreme poverty, I believe he lost focus and floundered in the writing of Hope Rising. With a writing style that was at times disjointed and repetitive, it was the solution to extreme poverty that he offered which concerns me the most.

Throughout Hope Rising, Todd emphasises the government’s moral obligation to contribute financially in aiding those who are living in extreme poverty, even suggesting that at least 10% of our national budget should be allocated for foreign aid (p.127). However, there are some obvious issues with this plan:

1) You can’t give what you don’t have. As Americans, we currently have a national debt of more than $17 trillion. What good is it to give foreign aid when we can’t even pay our own bills?

2) Foreign Aid is not unbiased. As we have seen with the Affordable Care Act, Americans have a wide range of personal opinions and moral convictions. Will everyone be satisfied with how the Government disperses Foreign Aid?

3) It isn’t the Government’s job. This is the primary objection. From Scripture we see that it is the Government’s job to enforce justice (Romans 13:4). Government’s role in society is to defend and encourage the good, and punish the evil (WSC 23:1), not to bring an end to world poverty!

Todd even has quotes in Hope Rising from those who believe government-funded Foreign Aid is detrimental, causing more harm than good, yet he shrugs off their concerns because he believes this is our opportunity as Christians to be advocates for the poor (p. 132-135). While he also encourages Christians to work to end extreme poverty through business and church, even noting that Africans trust churches more than governments (p.147), it is disheartening that Todd pushes for more government-funded Foreign Aid.

Hope Rising is a reminder that we live in an amazing time, where we see a fast-approaching future where extreme poverty is no more. We live in a time where corporations like Amazon, Coca-Cola, Google, Levi Strauss, Macy’s, and TOMS have joined the effort, donating funds for fighting poverty, gender inequality, and sex trafficking. We live in a time where shoppers are concerned with buying Fair Trade products and supporting businesses like Claro, FEED, 3Strands, and 31Bits, where they know their money will help farmers receive fair wages, women are empowered, and children are fed and educated.

But what we as Christians don’t need to forget, and what I believe Hope Rising failed to emphasize, is that food and clean water, health care and education are not, and will never be, what those who live in extreme poverty (and those of us who don’t) need the most. Our primary goal as Christians should be to share Living Water and Bread of Life (John 4:13-14; John 7:37-38; Matthew 4:4; John 6:35; John 6:48).

Overall, I found Hope Rising to be both encouraging and frustrating. I would give Hope Rising a “C”.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers Review Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

[Annie · Rating 4 out of 5]

In Hope Rising, Scott C. Todd of Compassion International addresses important mindsets among Christians that need to change in order to alleviate the world’s extreme poor (those who live on less than $1.25 per day). He contends that it is possible to end world poverty in the next 30 years, but in order to do so, Christians need to raise their expectations toward that goal.

In a clear, concise, yet powerful manner, Todd breaks down various reasons Christians have not taken action: From misunderstanding Matthew 26:11’s “You will always have the poor among you…” to the zeal against works-based faith (pg. 35), he explains why Jesus has called Christians to actively use their resources to rid poverty. He reminds readers that the Kingdom is now and that, “We don’t do anti-poverty work and share the gospel. Sharing the gospel is anti-poverty work.”

There are quite a few things I like about this book. Todd is optimistic but breaks down poverty alleviation into practical numbers. He praises recent efforts in cutting diseases like measles by 78 percent between 2000 and 2008 (pg 53). Yet, nearly one billion people are still without clean drinking water. Providing that would cost about twenty billion dollars – half of what Americans spend on Black Friday (pg 52).

Todd also warns against using poor as a metaphor for broken relationships. He says, “using poor as a metaphor dilutes its hard meaning…” (pg 76). I am glad this was addressed. As Americans, we are wealthy. Whether or not we are as wealthy as our neighbors or wealthy enough to own our own homes dims when compared to those who are not able to buy a $5.00 mosquito net to prevent malaria. I feel that we often try to soften the disparity between our wealth and other’s lack of basic resources. Living in a country with clean, running water, access to health care, and a variety of resources to put food on our tables, we need to remember the extreme poor.

Todd also gives some practical advice for how we can help. The average American churchgoer only gives 2.9% of their income to charitable causes. Reevaluating spending and how we use our resources is an important beginning. Choosing to spend more on fewer items at stores like Ten Thousand Villages is a way to ensure a fair wage to artisans (pg 139). Sponsoring a child is a way to ensure education and access to opportunities in developing countries. Todd suggests fasting as a way to find income. Maybe it is a traditional food fast, or perhaps a fast from sports or new cars (pg 158). One year, we fasted from wine during Lent and used our budget to fund microfinance loans. If we are creative and willing, there are ways to support the poorest among us.

This book is an important look at how we are going to address the global issue of poverty. In Todd’s view, if we are focused and willing, extreme poverty will be part of history as we live a Kingdom-is-now lifestyle.

**I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.**

[Debbie Carlson · Rating 3 out of 5]

The author is very optimistic and changed my expectations and view of world poverty. He motivated me to do more as a citizen, a consumer and a Christian to end poverty.
Personally, I feel that self interest and corruption are far worse and bigger monsters in the fight against poverty. The author blames the media for Christian's bad reputation, and that might be true to some part, but those who are hateful, judgemental, greedy, revengeful, etc, and call themselves Christians do more harm than anything else. The author's view of government, I think is far too optimistic. Corruption runs rampant and money rules. I hear one side that talks of the poor as lazy, sinful and undeserving while the other side is called Communists for wanting to implement plans to care for the needy. I agree that government should help to create legislation to protect the poor but they should stay out of financial aid.
Walmart may have moved its jobs to China, giving jobs to hungry Chinese, but I hardly see how their greedy motives can be applauded. I guarantee that Walmart has done far more damage to the cause of ending world poverty than it has ever helped.
But I do intend to seek out the businesses that create a healthy and happy world and boycott businesses known for their greed. If there are enough of us who see the problem and care to do something about it, I believe we can make a significant difference. Besides, it is our obligation as good descent human beings. The author is definitely doing his part by just writing this book.

[Ruth Ann · Rating 3 out of 5]

The focus of this book is eliminating extreme poverty ( those who live on less than $1.25 per day; they often lack clean water, health care, and food). The author challenges the idea that "there will always be poor among us." He says we have made great strides in the death rates from malaria, measles, and even aids but he says Christians need to commit more to ending suffering. He says that the average church giver donates only 2.9% of their income. He challenges Christians to do more, quoting many Bible scriptures that tell that it is our duty to take care of "the Least of These".
Todd encourages fasting, or giving up something good, for something greater. For example, not buying entertainment tickets and instead donating the money. Of course he also encourages Christians to adopt a child through Compassion International. He stress the importance of Hope and how it differs from wishful thinking. Todd wants to move hearts towards action.

[Corie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book lived up to the title! Encouraging and hopeful, Hope Rising discusses not only the need in the world, but also how to meet those needs. Todd has researched extensively to provide an accurate picture of the progress that has taken place in recent years to combat extreme poverty. Based on these findings and on the miraculous power of Jesus Christ, he claims that Christians need to look forward expectantly to when extreme poverty is eradicated. With expectation, dedication and sacrificial service and giving achieving this tremendous goal is possible. Our generation will be held accountable for this. We have a responsibility and a great calling to ensure that all people have their basic needs met and have opportunities for education, employment, heath and safety. This book is a good read for those involved in orphan care, family preservation/reunification, clean water or feeding programs, etc.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Todd draws from his experience as the Senior Vice President of Global Advocacy for Compassion International. He focuses on Isaiah 58 as a true example of fasting and a call to a personal commitment on behalf of the poor and oppressed. He also draws back to a young AIDS victim in Africa, a life lost that deeply touched him in his work.

When he gives us the capacity to discover, to innovate, and to create, He intended for us to use these gift for good. We can turn the tide with faith-based organizations, cause marketing (such as Toms one-for-one model), fair trade, and the generous giving of our resources.

In Hope Rising, we are encouraged to snap out of our self-satisfying world. I appreciate this book because of its honest call to not live by small expectations.

[Celina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredible read! So much more than I expected from this book. True inspiration and stories that make you really look at your own life and consider, "What am I doing, and am I making the most of my time and the best of my situations in life?" Excellent book for inspiring young adults.

[Chuck · Rating 4 out of 5]

Was inspired to read this by an interview I watched of the author discussing world poverty. Gives a good overview of the various causes of poverty and offers reader concrete hope that these problems can indeed be overcome.

[Eileen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exceptional book - thought-provoking. This book actually gives a clear picture of what the author states in the title and how it can be done.

[Jacquie · Rating 3 out of 5]

A hopeful book about how we can end extreme poverty in this generation.

[Crystal · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good beginner's primer for those who are interested in social justice.