This is probably the best Sider book I've read so far. He does a thorough treatment of his theology of social engagement. I'm not always convinced, especially by the Yoderian turns, but this is not some trite attempt to guilt Christians into social justice work. Even his turn to Scripture is improved over Rich Christians, and I am hard to please when it comes to the "obligatory" Biblical exegesis that Evangelical writing seems to demand. Sider is, mostly, careful giving a thoughtful examination of his texts. What he doesn't wrestle with is a contextual (social context) reading of his texts, so his insistence on salvation exclusively through the Church seems a bit dismissive. I would introduce a little more new terminology to take up this particular theological task, but there is also value in keeping your writing accessible. I think Sider achieves that without compromising a sense of depth on the topic. I suspect he could add quite a few more layers of depth here - but with the nature of his subject I wonder if he hasn't struck a very appropriate balance to make sure this gets into the hands of those who might act on it - and at the same time not just contributing to the endless fluff that is out there for non-academic Christians to consume. Sider remains a key thinker on evangelical social engagement and I appreciate his contributions to the field. ( )

"This book offers ways to combine evangelism with social concern. The key is
our love for Jesus. " I long for the day when every village, town, and city has
congregations so in love with Jesus that they lead scores of people to him and
so sensitive to the cry of the poor and oppressed that they work vigorously for
justice, peace, and freedom,' writes Sider. This book is for Christians who
want to care for both the physical and spiritual needs that they encounter."
--back cover