Rich Christians in an Age of Hunger: Moving from Affluence to Generosity

by Ronald J. Sider

1. Question your own lifestyle, not your neighbor’s 2. Reduce your food budget by: • Gardening: try hoeing instead of mowing. • Fasting regularly. • Setting a monthly budget and sticking to it. 3. Lower energy consumption by: • Keeping your thermostat (at the home and office) at 68 degrees Fahrenheit or lower during winter months. • Supporting public transportation with your feet and your vote. • Using bicycles, carpools, and, for short trips, your feet. • Making dish washing a family time instead of buying a dishwasher. • Buying a fan instead of an air conditioner. • Substituting plant-based protein for meat. It requires 11 times more fossil fuel energy to produce the same amount of animal-based protein as plant-based protein.17 4. Resist consumerism by: • Laughing regularly at TV commercials. • Developing family slogans like: “Who Are You Kidding?” and “You Can’t Take It with You!” • Making a list of dishonest ads and boycotting those products. • Using the postage-paid envelopes of direct-mail advertisers to object to unscrupulous advertising. 5. Buy and renovate an old house in the inner city. (Persuade a few friends to do the same so you can enjoy Christian community.) 6. Reduce your consumption of nonrenewable natural resources by: • Resisting obsolescence (buy quality products when you buy). • Sharing appliances, tools, lawnmowers, sports equipment, books, even a car (this is easier if you live close to other Christians committed to living more simply). • Organizing ...