Poverty from the Pulpit

Book excerpt: Poverty has several definitions, depending on who's defining and from what perspective. For this discourse, we define it as emptiness that borders on acute lack--be it spiritual, social, material, economic, financial or political; the absence of basic provisions that makes a person's life meaningful and bearable. It's not just the absence of food, shelter or clothing but also the absence of health-care (by whatever definition), social rights and access to education, justice and public political space to shape events in the social environment. It's a measure of societal development (Seers 1977). Poverty level defines social status--which determines social access. Poverty is better explained or defined fully by the person experiencing it, with the right words and/or images for others to understand. Poverty is personal yet very public, As its presence is a collective condemnation of society (secular/spiritual). Paradoxically, poverty from close quarters (trusted by us), Is like friendly fire in a combat zone. Armies train their soldiers to take on enemy fire, and prevail. Friendly fire? It's not only a different kind of fire, it's unanticipated and response is difficult. Its impact is painful and response is challenging because relationships are involved. There's a shocking devastation because of its source. Poverty from a close quarter like a pulpit is really difficult to comprehend left alone deal with. Though difficult, friendly fire requires a response and to get on with the war at hand. We need the same approach in dealing with poverty from a very close source like a pulpit. Poverty from the Pulpit is a Christian-sociological analysis of poverty within the body of Christ in this era of "prosperity theology" that pervades Christendom today. it asks Christians everywhere to question their perception of poverty and see where the source of their poverty is and where the solution lies.