Making poverty personal
Posted by bms_editor at 14:34 on 7th May 2010
by Ash Barker, Baker Books, £8.99
ISBN: 978-0-80107-189-8
Normally, when you come across a book that exhibits insightful theological reflection, grapples with the biblical text, and possesses a clarity in communication combined with the personal integrity of the author actually living out their message – you should be in for a stimulating read.
That is until the issue tackled is poverty and the author is living in the largest slum in Bangkok, Thailand. Then the book is no longer just stimulating, it becomes disturbing and provocative.
For that reason this book needs to be read together by a group that will commit to wrestle with the theology, work through the practicalities and be accountable to one another for their responses. I’m not sure I’m going to volunteer to review a book ever again!
Reviewer: Keith Nichols, minister of Didcot Baptist Church, Oxfordshire
Comments
Ash is visiting Britain this year. There is an opportunity to hear him speak at a day conference in Birmingham on Fri 8th June 2012 - see http://springdalecollege.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/Peace_Justice... for details. BMS will be having a stall at the event.