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

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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.

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.

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.

I have read a wide variety of books on this topic and I am bothered by the left leaning spin in this book. The authors make an effort to bring you statistics and facts, however with the spin to victimize the poor and blame those over the poverty line discredits the validity of this book. I would suggest you read other books on this topic if you are truly interested in empowering the poor.