Comments (3)

By Richard Hamilton, October 15, 2008 10:58 pm

I recently asked the question, “How should Christian’s respond to poverty?” Here are my thoughts.

Let’s start by addressing a common improper response to poverty.

There is a tendency among Americans who are sensitive to the needs of the oppressed poor to seek political action as a way to alleviate the woes of the world. This seems in many ways a natural response. This leaves me with a nagging question, why do we expect the government to solve the problems of the world? If you don’t dig too far back into American history, you’ll find we haven’t always had such expectations. I would venture that most people are unaware that it was once unconstitutional to have an income tax. Because the US needed funding for it’s new found international interventionist policies, the American public was convinced that it was their patriotic duty to pay [income] taxes. The next logical next step was to enact tax with-holdings. This program has been quite successful, so much so that most Americans have been duped into thinking the government is doing them a favor by returning some of their hard-earned cash on April 15th. (For more info on history of income with-holdings taxes here in America, read the Fair Tax by Neil Boortz and John Linder. My purpose here is not to promote the Fair Tax, although I am a supporter and believe it would greatly improve the economic situation here in the States.) Interestingly enough, American charitable giving significantly decreased at the time that income tax was withheld. Why? It seems Americans expected their government to be benevolent with their money.

I believe this process has distanced most Americans from actually being generous. We expect the government to provide social safety nets, like welfare, medicare, and social security. At one point neighbors would look out for each other. Family would be responsible for family. Churches and community organizations would act overtly benevolent. These days, when jobs are lost, the market crashes or and houses are foreclosed, we expect Uncle Sam to sweep in and save the day.

So, back to the original question. How should Christians respond to poverty?

I’m not sure how we can do it, but American Christians must recapture some sense of responsibility. Some sense of community. Some awareness. We have been trained to disconnect ourselves from the process; we must reconnect. There is a world around us in need. As Americans we have no obligation to look out for those around us, but as Christians…

Comments (0)

By Richard Hamilton,

A little over a year ago, I was introduced to an organization called Kiva. According to their website “Kiva is the world’s first person-to-person micro-lending website, empowering individuals to lend directly to unique entrepreneurs in the developing world.” Basically people with funds (as little as $25) loan money to entrepreneurs and small business owners internationally in an effort to spark development and economic growth. You get to choose who you want to loan your money to and see what they intend to spend it on.

One major issue America is facing now is liquidity. The big banks loaned money they don’t have on the promise that the government would sweep in and save the day if the well ever dried up. One problem. Our trusted government was itself running off of credit. In addition to borrowing ungodly sums from foreign investors (often foreign governments) the US Federal Reserve was printing money like Leo DiCaprio in Catch Me If You can, with no guarantee (like say gold) to back up the bills. So now, there is no capital available for budding business venture to launch.

I wonder if micro-loaning could be a crucial tool in dealing with world-wide poverty and fixing American economy. Kiva is paving the way, serving as trailblazers toward development and stability, by simultaneously teaching benevolence and responsibility. If nothing else, micro-loaning maybe able to set an example of responsible lending/borrowing.

Comments (0)

By Richard Hamilton, October 14, 2008 11:59 pm

People from Castle Hills Christian Church (where I am on staff) get out and try to help their community over the weekend.

serve san antonio from richard hamilton on Vimeo.

San Antonio is the 7th largest city in the US and has a homeless population of 2,247 people. On October 11, 2008, about 15 volunteers hit the streets with about 200 bag lunches.

Comments (1)

By Richard Hamilton, October 11, 2008 12:37 am

October 15, 2008 is Blog Action Day. This year’s discussion: poverty. I want to hear from you! How should Christian’s respond to poverty? E-mail (DO NOT LEAVE IT AS A COMMENT HERE!!) me your response (richard@epicdialogue.com) and together, we will join the conversation. Please send by mid-night, October 14, 2008. I’m looking forward to hearing from you.