RamistThomist
Puritanboard Clerk
I read this book last summer. I started re-reading it again. Thesis: Ron Sider has continually preached that Christians should live below the poverty line, the federal government should play Robin Hood (er, scratch that. Robin Hood actually gave to the poor; the govt just lines its pockets), we should use our tax dollars to pay welfare in states like India, etc. All of this is under the rubric that "Jesus is on the side of the Poor."
Chilton shows that everytime you "take money" from those who actually work for it and give it to those who refuse to work, you never make the poor wealthier. You only make the rich poorer.
Chilton also shows that some countries are poor because of their pagan faith. This means that while it is "noble" to help out the poor in _____, said problem is not really economics. It is paganism. They are slaves to pagan gods. Because of that they can never have economic prosperity until they convert.
Chilton's response is a breathtaking combination of Austrian economics, biblical law, and outstanding rhetoric. While I do not accept his postmillennialism, this book is a fine intro to: 1) economics (it is like a small textbook), 2) biblical law.
Bottom line: This book has never been answered by Ron Sider. Sider has had over several decades to respond to Chilton. He never did. Sider's book is now on its 3rd (or 4th) printing. Surely a footnote acknowledging defeat is in order.
Chilton shows that everytime you "take money" from those who actually work for it and give it to those who refuse to work, you never make the poor wealthier. You only make the rich poorer.
Chilton also shows that some countries are poor because of their pagan faith. This means that while it is "noble" to help out the poor in _____, said problem is not really economics. It is paganism. They are slaves to pagan gods. Because of that they can never have economic prosperity until they convert.
Chilton's response is a breathtaking combination of Austrian economics, biblical law, and outstanding rhetoric. While I do not accept his postmillennialism, this book is a fine intro to: 1) economics (it is like a small textbook), 2) biblical law.
Bottom line: This book has never been answered by Ron Sider. Sider has had over several decades to respond to Chilton. He never did. Sider's book is now on its 3rd (or 4th) printing. Surely a footnote acknowledging defeat is in order.
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