Grace at the Table: Ending Hunger in God's World [Paperback]

David Beckmann (Author), Arthur Simon (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 1999

Every fifteen minutes a jumbo jet filled with children crashes, leaving no survivors. The jet is actually hunger, but the haunting image is real--33,000 children dead each day. What is even more haunting is that the deaths are unnecessary because the world has long had the technology and experience to end hunger. Its persistence is a challenge to the integrity of everyone who claims the name Christian.

This primer on the causes and cures of hunger is written by Bread for the World's founding president Arthur Simon and current president David Beckmann. Never oversimplifying, the book shows how issues such as population, resources, economics, and human rights are interwoven in their impact on hunger. The book gives compelling biblical motivation for personal action and public policy--and explains practical strategies individuals can take to help effect worldwide change.

Using a question-and-answer format for clear reading, stories and examples for personalization, and graphics and sidebars for eye-appeal, this is an important book for all Christians. It's of special interest to Bread for the World members, social justice workers, parish social-action committees, grassroots activists, historians, political scientists, and anyone concerned with the poor.

--This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

Editorial Reviews

Review

A crisp, honest and hopeful book. -- Christian Century

A recommended read. -- National Catholic Reporter

A well-written guide...by two outstanding advocates for people who are poor and hungry. -- The Living Light

Grace at the Table is important reading for anyone who cares about ending hunger in God's world. -- Jimmy Carter

The information in this book digests easily....a good introduction to ways Christians can help end world hunger. -- Christian Social Action --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

About the Author

Arthur Simon was the founding president of Bread for the World. A Lutheran minister, he has served for more than twenty years in the economically deprived neighborhood of New York's Lower East Side.

David Beckman, Simon's successor and Bread for the World's current president, is also a Lutheran minister. He's an economist who has spent fifteen years on antipoverty programs at the World Bank. --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

Product Details

• Paperback: 204 pages
• Publisher: InterVarsity Press (June 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0830822178
• ISBN-13: 978-0830822171
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.2 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #7,908,896 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A superb book on the problems and solutions on hunger, August 15, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Grace at the Table: Ending Hunger in God's World (Paperback)

The insightful authors, both Lutheran ministers active with Bread for the World, start with a careful overview of the biblical teachings related to hunger and poverty and then examine the state of the hungry in the USA and throughout God's world. There is plenty in the book to celebrate: the percentage of those living in poverty in the USA has dropped in the last forty years, child mortality in developing countries is one half of what it was in 1960, world grain production per acre has doubled in the same time period, the global population's rate of growth is slowing, the proportion of hungry people in developing countries has fallen sharply, and the number of people who die in famines has also decreased in the last few decades. There is still far too much bad news: the percentage of U.S. children living in poverty (one in five) is triple that of other industrialized nations; thousands of children are dying daily in developing nations because of hunger (one child is dying for every breath we take); and less than one percent of our national budget goes for foreign assistance. The book's question and answer format makes for easy reading while its content can be troubling, but also inspiring for people of faith who can make a difference.

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A nuts and bolts book on hunger,and what you can do about it, June 15, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Grace at the Table: Ending Hunger in God's World (Paperback)

While it can get a bit technical at times, overall, this book is very good at explaining why we should care about poor and hungry people in our country and around the world. It also gives people the tools they need to be citizen advocates on hunger -- going beyond helping at soup kitchens or donating money to good causes. It shows how we can use our power as citizens to affect the root causes of hunger and poverty, and not just put a Band-Aid on the problem. A great book for anyone who cares about this issue, but especially for Christians who understand the teachings of Jesus to mean that we are obligated to care for all of God's children.

3.0 out of 5 stars A Call to Respond to Become Involved in Ending the Hunger Crisis Around the World, February 9, 2012

By 

Richard R. Blake (Bridgman, Michigan) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (TOP 500 REVIEWER)   

This review is from: Grace at the Table: Ending Hunger in God's World (Paperback)

David Beckmann's & Arthur Simon's leadership have impacted the churches awareness of the growing number of starving people around the world. In their book "Grace at the Table: Ending Hunger in God's World" they address the themes of God's providence and our responsibility to care for the earth and for each other. Using Biblical principles and the teachings of the scriptures they describe how these two themes are intertwined.

Real life stories bring home the importance of Christians becoming involved in a program to stem acceleration of hunger and poverty, and effectively meet this ongoing challenge. The authors are petitioning Christians to a growing awareness of the issue, to prayer, and to active involvement in finding resolution.

Illustrations, charts, and drawings all add visual impact to the economics of hunger, and the politics of hunger. Other issues include a jobs based strategy, welfare reform, racial, and gender inequities.

A study guide is available for use with the book which makes it ideal for individual or group use. The thought provoking questions help the reader assimilate and personalize action steps that can be taken to become y involved while joining other citizens working with Bread for the World ministry providing justice, technology, and resources to meet the need.

The book was written over 10 years ago. Although the need continues with new challenges due to recent earthquakes, hurricanes, tsunamis, and our current economic crisis. Many of the principles contained are currently applicable, workable, and needed. However, I would like to see an updated, edited version of the book to more closely identify with the needs today.

The authors write with genuine conviction, clarity, and concern. Their writing is compelling, articulate, and convincing.