Exodus from Hunger: We Are Called to Change the Politics of Hunger

by David Beckmann

It is within America's technical and financial power to help end world hunger in our lifetime, if we set our hearts and minds to the task. Contrary to what many people believe, the world has made measurable advancements against hunger and poverty over the last several decades. But too often the binding constraint on further progress is a simple lack of political will. As a result, one of the most powerful ways to affect change is often the most neglected- political activism. In this powerful and hopeful book, David Beckmann, president of Bread for the World and a leading anti-hunger activist, looks at the causes of hunger, presents case studies of countries that have made great strides against it, and puts a human face on the problem by sharing stories of people who are, quite simply, hungry every day. The problems can seem overwhelming but Beckmann lays out a clear and workable plan for effectively using political channels to make great progress. He not only challenges us to get involved, he shows us how. It is no less than our call to do so.

Genres: Politics, Nonfiction, Poverty, Religion

209 pages, Paperback

First published July 12, 2009

Reviews

[Hallie Zigament · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t know much about economics or politics, but I found this book to be incredibly valuable anyways. You don’t have to agree with David Beckmann on everything he has to say on religion and politics in order to get wisdom from this read; I know I didn’t agree on every aspect. This book inspired me with account of regular people moved by the Holy Spirit, humbled by their heartbreak for issues in the world that break God’s heart too. This book convicted me of the areas in my life where my faith can be shallow, and provided hope for the deep ways God works His plans through all people. This book was incredibly educational on the ways the U.S. government can affect foreign nations and people in poverty all around the world. This book challenged my preconceived notions of many political aspects of agriculture, and I am eager to learn more from different perspectives. I admire Beckmann’s ability to explain his motivation for scientific pursuits flowing from the abundant love he has experienced through Christ. Overall, a very good read.

[Jeannie Colling · Rating 4 out of 5]

Everyone should read this book. It is written by the head of Bread for the World. It has ways individuals can and should get involved in helping the least of the least. Very readable and filled with hope.

[Courtney Westerlund · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you want to get involved with advocacy for hunger, READ THIS BOOK! It's basically a handbook for advocacy and is truly a great resource. It provides background information, success stories, a faith-based component, and tools for moving forward.

This book is really a call to Christian communities to take up the cross and work towards advocacy for those in needs, for political change that will bring about justice for those who suffer from hunger. I really enjoyed this read and I would recommend it to anyone interested in advocacy from a faith-based perspective.

[Catherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

The thoughts and concepts deliberately explained in this book are presented in the way that I believe all political business in Washington and on the more local levels should be presented and handled. It addresses issues, indicates who needs to do what to improve upon these issues, and then offers an earnest call for action to be taken on the part of those who can. It remains non-partisan and unbiased towards the people who make policy and instead instills energy and the power of faith in those represented by the policy makers. It does not place infinite blame upon the government, infact, it gives credit where credit is due to Presidents and Senators as well as representatives and constituents, most importantly. At a time when so few people appear to have faith in advocacy and petitioning of the government, Exodus From Hunger is a steady reminder that action is still able and needed to be taken and that a persistent, non-violent approach to change, powered by a higher power, is most definitely appropriate and effective.
I have to say, without sounding too cheesy, that this book is one of few that I have found that make Christianity appear appealing and influential. Perhaps I am trying to say that it appears cohesive with the idea of being a 'liberal' instead of the way it is most often portrayed with the 'God is on the Conservatives' side' presentation. Neither of these things is singularly perfect, the fact that God appears on the side of the people, is very encouraging. As one who sometimes steers clear of religion and politics, I believe that this book has done a FABULOUS job outlining the facts on hunger and poverty and in appealing to the advocacy minded people of all religious backgrounds and political persuasions in a way that increases awareness and enthusiasm towards government advocacy on behalf of the most vulnerable citizens of the planet earth.

[Bob Price · Rating 1 out of 5]

I wanted to like Exodus from Hunger, I really did.

We should differentiate at the beginning that there it is one thing to like a concept of a book, and quite another to actually like the book...and I think that is what happened here.

I fundamentally agree with the author that we hunger politics is a conversation we need to have in this country, particularly in the Church.
And it might be nice to listen to a lecture from the author, but not read a book.

Here are a few problems I can see with this book:

1. It feels much more like an advertisement for the author's life and ministry than it does for dealing with a major issue

2. There are very few references that the author gives

3. He glosses over major problems with other countries. He notes that China has done a lot to reduce the amount of hunger in their country and suggests that the country still struggles with "human rights". To say that China struggles with human rights is to suggest that the Christmas Tsunami was merely a big wave.

4. The lack of real conclusions or answers

5. The complete lack of realism

I cannot recommend this book in good conscience. If one is interested in the topic, there are a number of good books on it...this is not one of them.

Grade: F

[Skylar · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great eye-opener into the importance of poverty for Christians in particular. Unfortunate that it focuses mostly on U.S. policies (as Bread for the World is a U.S. organization) but still presents many important ideas and suggestions for individuals to have a real impact on the future of poverty in our world.

[Leanna · Rating 2 out of 5]

Great cause, great organization, great man. The book itself didn't seem to make a cohesive argument -- instead, each chapter seemed like it had been written independently -- and the whole thing could have used an editor to make it flow better, to cite references to make the arguments stronger, and to correct the mistakes. Wish it had been better.

[Gerry · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was disappointed in this book. it felt like a commercial for bread for the world which I think is a great organization.
So many of the books we read for Just Faith were really inspiring, this was one of the least inspiring for me.

[Sue Johannsen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Our adult book group explores hunger. This book is a great reference and guide to a local conversation.

[Mariana · Rating 2 out of 5]

Good book on what we can do to end hunger. However the author refers too much to the Christian god. I conclude from my work in Costa Rica that that god is irrelevant and, oh so, arrogant.