When the wealthy are dying from diseases of overabundance and the poor are dying from inadequate health care, poor diets, and stress-related illnesses, there is spiritual disease in society. Jesus’ life and teaching shows a deep compassion toward the poor and marginalized. His messages often highlight the injustices shown to the poor and the prejudices the well-off have against them. How can we learn from the poor? What is our responsibility to care for the poor and to advocate for justice on their behalf? In this six-session video-based study, Jim Wallis and Sojourners will engage your small group to take action.
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Study Guide
In Session 1, “‘Burger King Mom’: Being Poor in America,” you will learn why poverty and justice are important to Christians. You will discover what you lose when proximity and relationships with the poor are lost.
In Session 2, “Is There Something Wrong with the Prosperity Gospel?” you will learn why the prosperity gospel is a heretical doctrine. You will learn biblical statements that counter the societal pressures of greed, selfishness, and instant gratification.
In Session 3, “Standing at the Corner of Church and State,” you will discover what the elements of the “three-legged stool” of civil society are. You will learn why it’s the church’s role to demand social justice from the government.
In Session 4, “The Gospel According to New Orleans,” you will discover what the waters of hurricane Katrina revealed and who the majority of those stranded in New Orleans were. You will learn why it’s important to break down the walls between the rich and the poor.
In Session 5, “‘Outside the Gate’: The Poor and the Global Economy,” you will learn why global poverty is a concern. You will discover what corporate globalization has done to the poor and oppressed.
In Session 6, “From Serial Charity to Just Society,” you will learn what needs to be present in a social movement to make change possible. You will discover what turns spiritual activity into revival.
