What do you think?
Rate this book
Orphan Justice: How to Care for Orphans Beyond Adopting
While the growing orphan care movement has been reduced to a focus on adoption, something few people can do, Johnny Carr shows readers how every Christian should play an active role in caring for orphans.
Indeed, caring for the orphan requires us to care about related issues from child trafficking and HIV/AIDS to racism and poverty. Too often, we only discuss or theologize the issues, relegating the responsibility to governments. No one can do everything, but everyone can do something; Christians are clearly called to care for orphans, a group so close to the heart of Jesus.
Based on his own personal journey toward pure religion, Johnny Carr moves readers from talking about global orphan care to actually doing something about it in Found. Combining biblical truth with the latest social research, this inspiring book:
investigates the orphan care and adoption movement in the U.S. today; examines new data on the needs of orphans and at-risk children; connects “liberal issues” together as critical aspects or orphan care; discovers the role of the church worldwide in meeting these needs; develops a tangible, sustainable action plan using worldwide partnerships; fleshes out the why, what, and how of global orphan care.
Indeed, caring for the orphan requires us to care about related issues from child trafficking and HIV/AIDS to racism and poverty. Too often, we only discuss or theologize the issues, relegating the responsibility to governments. No one can do everything, but everyone can do something; Christians are clearly called to care for orphans, a group so close to the heart of Jesus.
Based on his own personal journey toward pure religion, Johnny Carr moves readers from talking about global orphan care to actually doing something about it in Found. Combining biblical truth with the latest social research, this inspiring book:
investigates the orphan care and adoption movement in the U.S. today; examines new data on the needs of orphans and at-risk children; connects “liberal issues” together as critical aspects or orphan care; discovers the role of the church worldwide in meeting these needs; develops a tangible, sustainable action plan using worldwide partnerships; fleshes out the why, what, and how of global orphan care.
224 pages, Paperback
First published February 28, 2013
33 people are currently reading
1024 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
July 2, 2013
Orphan Justice offers a raw and real telling of where the church has been on orphan care and where we need to go. Carr’s “walking the walk” matches his talk offering introspection we rarely see. If you’re involved in adoption and orphan care, you need to read this book. If you’re not involved in adoption and orphan care, you need to read this book.
March 22, 2013
Being an adoptive dad, this is a topic close to my heart. Carr nails it in a loving but firm way. I just hope more churches read and take this to heart.
May 13, 2025
would definitely recommend this to anyone wanting to actually live out James 1:27: "Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress."
so convicting and eye opening, but gave lots of very practical action steps that everyone can do to be the tangible hands and feet of Jesus in the world.
so convicting and eye opening, but gave lots of very practical action steps that everyone can do to be the tangible hands and feet of Jesus in the world.
December 9, 2013
Really great book.
As someone who has often considered the option of adoption and who has actively supported orphan care in other countries for many years, this book was very interesting and enlightening to me.
The first chapter had me ready to pack my bags and head to China to pick up a deaf toddler to adopt. By chapter three I was convinced that my family needed to open our home to an HIV positive baby. And by chapter six I was totally ashamed as the author pointed out how self centered I had been in all my thoughts on orphan care. My thoughts had centered only on what I could do in my home and how that would affect my family. But as the author points out, orphan care is not just about adoption. There are so many ways that people can help support the care of orphaned children without removing them from their own home countries.
I love the idea the author puts forth that, "Man made orphanages for children. God made the family for children." It is not enough to send money to build more orphanages in third world countries. We need to focus our efforts on eliminating the need for orphanages in the first place. America does not have orphanages, so why do we continue to support the building of them in other countries? There must be a better way. We need to do everything to support the stability of families throughout the world.
Something I love about Carr's book is that it isn't just talk. He outlines very practical steps that EVERYONE can take to help out vulnerable children in their community and around the world.
This book truly is for EVERYONE.
One last note:
One thing that surprised me in this book was the Carr's claim of racial tensions in America and how they undermine orphan care especially within the Christian community. I personally have never seen this type of prejudice. Not that I think it doesn't exist. I simply have never seen it. The families I know within the Christian community I live in don't think twice about interracial marriage or interracial adoption. I know many mixed race families, and while I'm sure they have experienced prejudice personally, it is certainly not a widespread sentiment. The fact that the author lives in the heart of the Bible Belt and claims to hear and see these anti-Christian values expressed on a regular basis is truly a tragedy. Any person claiming to live a Christian life but still harboring feelings of racial judgment needs to take a serious look at themselves.
As someone who has often considered the option of adoption and who has actively supported orphan care in other countries for many years, this book was very interesting and enlightening to me.
The first chapter had me ready to pack my bags and head to China to pick up a deaf toddler to adopt. By chapter three I was convinced that my family needed to open our home to an HIV positive baby. And by chapter six I was totally ashamed as the author pointed out how self centered I had been in all my thoughts on orphan care. My thoughts had centered only on what I could do in my home and how that would affect my family. But as the author points out, orphan care is not just about adoption. There are so many ways that people can help support the care of orphaned children without removing them from their own home countries.
I love the idea the author puts forth that, "Man made orphanages for children. God made the family for children." It is not enough to send money to build more orphanages in third world countries. We need to focus our efforts on eliminating the need for orphanages in the first place. America does not have orphanages, so why do we continue to support the building of them in other countries? There must be a better way. We need to do everything to support the stability of families throughout the world.
Something I love about Carr's book is that it isn't just talk. He outlines very practical steps that EVERYONE can take to help out vulnerable children in their community and around the world.
This book truly is for EVERYONE.
One last note:
One thing that surprised me in this book was the Carr's claim of racial tensions in America and how they undermine orphan care especially within the Christian community. I personally have never seen this type of prejudice. Not that I think it doesn't exist. I simply have never seen it. The families I know within the Christian community I live in don't think twice about interracial marriage or interracial adoption. I know many mixed race families, and while I'm sure they have experienced prejudice personally, it is certainly not a widespread sentiment. The fact that the author lives in the heart of the Bible Belt and claims to hear and see these anti-Christian values expressed on a regular basis is truly a tragedy. Any person claiming to live a Christian life but still harboring feelings of racial judgment needs to take a serious look at themselves.
June 6, 2013
For the full review, please head over to my blog.
Carr most important point is that "God made the family for children." Children should not have to grow up in orphanages, but instead should be able to grow up in a family, be it their own family or an adopted family. He believes that the church needs to make a stand and fight for children. What I really appreciate about this is how he argues for the church to make an impact. He believes that the church needs to have a presence in the communities where there are orphans. That way the church can do its most important work of spreading the gospel while helping to heal what is broken in the community. If we can fight things like poverty, aids, and human trafficking around the world and in our own communities then we can help children return to their own families instead of having to grow up in an orphanage.
If you're like me, you probably thought adoption was the only way to help an orphan. After reading Orphan Justice, my eyes have been opened to the problems that create orphans and how we can help children grow up in families. You should read this book. It's a eye opener and a practical book. It doesn't just sound the alarm, but every chapter ends with a section of what you can do. This book will open your eyes to what is going on in the world and how you can help children grow up in a family.
Carr most important point is that "God made the family for children." Children should not have to grow up in orphanages, but instead should be able to grow up in a family, be it their own family or an adopted family. He believes that the church needs to make a stand and fight for children. What I really appreciate about this is how he argues for the church to make an impact. He believes that the church needs to have a presence in the communities where there are orphans. That way the church can do its most important work of spreading the gospel while helping to heal what is broken in the community. If we can fight things like poverty, aids, and human trafficking around the world and in our own communities then we can help children return to their own families instead of having to grow up in an orphanage.
If you're like me, you probably thought adoption was the only way to help an orphan. After reading Orphan Justice, my eyes have been opened to the problems that create orphans and how we can help children grow up in families. You should read this book. It's a eye opener and a practical book. It doesn't just sound the alarm, but every chapter ends with a section of what you can do. This book will open your eyes to what is going on in the world and how you can help children grow up in a family.
May 1, 2013
I've got to admit that I was skeptical of this book. As an adoptive mother of three and former employee of an international missions organization, I have no time for overly simplistic, "warm fuzzy" presentations about orphan care. Thankfully, Orphan Justice is not that kind of book. It's a serious look at a global crisis that calls God's people to consider some ugly realities and then do something about them. Johnny Carr moves beyond the orphan crisis and examines serious issues surrounding orphans. In his words, "We can't say that we love orphans while failing to address the social ills that directly affect their lives."
I love Carr's format that offers specific action points for "anyone, many, and a few" at the end of each chapter. He challenges us to realize that we can all make a difference.
I love Carr's format that offers specific action points for "anyone, many, and a few" at the end of each chapter. He challenges us to realize that we can all make a difference.
January 13, 2016
Note: This book is not for the faint of heart. If you truly keep an open mind when you read it, you will not leave untouched.Your eyes will be opened in a new way.
I thought I knew about orphans. I have studied the issues surrounding abortion and human trafficking; I assumed I had a head start on this issue. I really didn't. I had no idea.
Orphan Justice is blunt about the intellectual and emotional problem of orphans and how our world ignores them. It promotes adoption, but also offers many solution beyond adopting. As a single girl still living at home, a lot of his recommendations were beyond my means at the moment. However, there were still quite a few things I could do.
Read with care. You won't go unscathed.
I thought I knew about orphans. I have studied the issues surrounding abortion and human trafficking; I assumed I had a head start on this issue. I really didn't. I had no idea.
Orphan Justice is blunt about the intellectual and emotional problem of orphans and how our world ignores them. It promotes adoption, but also offers many solution beyond adopting. As a single girl still living at home, a lot of his recommendations were beyond my means at the moment. However, there were still quite a few things I could do.
Read with care. You won't go unscathed.
June 1, 2013
A book with a calling. And it called me
April 20, 2023
So I picked up this book not realizing it was written by an evangelical Christian who believes adoption can be a replacement for abortion. According to Carr adoption is the gospel, he also touches upon racism & poverty. He still felt out of touch w/ reality for me..
December 14, 2018
This book has probably changed my life. I highly recommend. Gives a very good Christian perspective on AIDS, abortion, and other important topics.
November 14, 2013
Have you ever noticed that guys and girls approach things differently? This was the first orphan care book I read that was written by a guy. The first chapter knocked me back on my heels. Instead of the feminine, heartstring-tugging approach, Johnny Carr light into the social issues surrounding orphaned children with righteous anger. The first chapter moved from the story of his deaf, adopted daughter to the brutal reality facing many children who are never adopted--sex trafficking. The book moved systematically through issues like HIV/AIDS, Abortion, Foster Care, and more. Rather than focusing on adoption, he zones in on the social issues surrounding orphans. He shows where the church is taking action and reveals the holes the church is failing to address.
This book is not for the faint of heart. It deals with tough issues in a frank but loving manner. I got a headache from crying my way through this book.
This book is not for the faint of heart. It deals with tough issues in a frank but loving manner. I got a headache from crying my way through this book.
I'm talking about you--your time, your emotional energy, your immaculate house, your comforatable life, and your self-absorbed habits. How much did it cost Jesus?
July 21, 2013
Drawing from research and personal experience as an adoptive father, foster parent, pastor, and orphan care advocate, Johnny Carr explores domestic and international social issues surrounding the care of orphaned and vulnerable children (HIV/AIDS, orphanages, poverty, foster care, racism, abortion, etc.). He advocates adoption as only a part of the Church's call to care for children and at the end of every chapter includes a variety of ways to live mindfully in light of that call. The endnotes for each chapter contain a wealth of information for additional research. In sum, Carr's book is not a definitive work on the issue of orphan care; rather, it is an accessible and moving introduction to the many intersections of orphan care and social justice issues.
October 10, 2013
I would recommend this book to anyone considering adoption, orphan care, or foster care. I'd also recommend this book to anyone who knows anyone in the above categories. This book deals with a number of the major topics outside, but related to adoption. Things such as trafficking, racism, HIV/AIDS, poverty, and others.
Johnny does a great job of challenging us to consider the true implications of the Gospel in this area and to contemplate the ramifications of these on our daily lives (both as individuals and the larger Church).
What I appreciated most was his no-pulled-punches approach... he's honest, transparent, and in so doing prompts you to be the same. We as the church need this level of honesty and introspection.
Johnny does a great job of challenging us to consider the true implications of the Gospel in this area and to contemplate the ramifications of these on our daily lives (both as individuals and the larger Church).
What I appreciated most was his no-pulled-punches approach... he's honest, transparent, and in so doing prompts you to be the same. We as the church need this level of honesty and introspection.
October 25, 2013
As a mother, I have a passion for orphans. As the mother of 3 small children, I don't currently feel the call to adopt. This is the book for anyone similarly passionate about the plight of orphans, who doesn't see adoption as their calling. Carr outlines many peripheral issues that contribute to the problems that orphans confront, and calls the reader to greater awareness and action. Each chapter concludes with examples of actions that anyone can take, as well as actions requiring more commitment specific people may feel called to undertake. Care of the orphan is the responsibility of all people of conscience, not just those who have the ability and opportunity to adopt.
August 4, 2015
"God made the family for children." My husband and I run a ministry for orphans. This book has challenged both our organization and our family personally.
Carr encourages involvement in orphan care with stories, testimonies, scripture, and commentary, then ends each chapter with practical tips for different levels of involvement. I recommend Orphan Justice to any follower of Jesus. If you are involved in orphan care, it will be encouraging and may help you evaluate your involvement - are you doing all you should? are you doing the best thing? If you are not involved in orphan care, it just may inspire you to do something.
Carr encourages involvement in orphan care with stories, testimonies, scripture, and commentary, then ends each chapter with practical tips for different levels of involvement. I recommend Orphan Justice to any follower of Jesus. If you are involved in orphan care, it will be encouraging and may help you evaluate your involvement - are you doing all you should? are you doing the best thing? If you are not involved in orphan care, it just may inspire you to do something.
November 7, 2013
Although I'm an adoptive parent to five of our six children, this book really opened my eyes to the plethora of social issues worldwide that contribute to the number of orphaned children. I believe that every child deserves to be part of a loving and stable family, but adoption is not for everyone. However, I recommend this book to anyone who has a heart to care for orphans in any way --- Carr's thoughtful summary at the end of each chapter offers practical ideas for "anyone", "many" or "few"; if everyone stepped up to do at least something, no matter how seemingly small, the orphan crisis could well be on its way toward elimination.
February 11, 2013
This is a fantastic book. Johnny's honesty, transparency, vulnerability, and boldness in his storytelling and calls to action capture you from the first page and keep you until the last. He encourages, empathizes, and sharpens you all at once - whether you are an expert in orphan care or the orphan's plight is just coming onto your radar. The chapters on racism and abortion alone are worth the price of the book.
Buy this book. Read it. Mark it up. Discuss it with others. It will challenge the way you view the world, locally and globally.
Buy this book. Read it. Mark it up. Discuss it with others. It will challenge the way you view the world, locally and globally.
March 28, 2014
This book hits the heart of many political issues on orphans both within and outside of the church. It has raw truth and emotion and displays the orphan crisis for what it truly is. It convicts its reader to do something and tells you how, no matter how small your contribution may seem, its huge in the eyes of a child in need.
September 8, 2013
Excellent, excellent book. This is a key issue of our day, especially for the people who believe that "Pure and undefiled religion before our God and Father is this: To look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself unstained by the world" -James 1:27.
March 4, 2014
I enjoyed the education I recieved from Johnny Carr. I didn't know much about adoption, foster care, or orphans in the world. I appreciated his information on the topics but also his perspective on how Christians can play a role in the many facets of orphan care.
March 25, 2013
Excellent book, convicting and eye opening to issues that surround orphans and foster care.
March 23, 2013
Great book! Compelling for those interested in getting into orphan care. Great material to use for current orphan care leaders as well.
April 22, 2013
Excellent book. A must read for anyone interested in pursuing orphan care... which is everyone, right? ;)
May 26, 2013
Such a needed mile marker in the work of caring for orphaned & vulnerable children. It's a must read for any child advocate or adoptive family.
July 10, 2014
Wow. Wonderful, wonderful book. Hits hard with truth that, if we're honest, we all need to hear.
June 19, 2014
Nailed it.
November 6, 2014
An excellent overview of the complex social issues surrounding orphans and their care. I will keep this for future reference and highly recommend that all citizens with a conscience read it.
March 10, 2015
Oh my I love this book and it is changing my mindset on orphan care
January 18, 2025
This book makes some good points-- some really good; I highlighted some good one-liners-- but the exact language used sometimes still sounds judgemental about the exact people/social problems the author is calling readers to help (ex: repeatedly using the word 'girls' when discussing pregnant females considering abortion, sometimes felt a bit of a white savior complex being hinted at, etc.). Maybe I'm overly sensitive to words, but it did rub me the wrong way more than once while reading this book. But nothing was off-putting enough for me to put the book down. I would still recommend it, just with some grains of salt on hand.
That being said, definitely a decent overview of things that contribute to children being left orphaned and how there is much work to be done on many fronts to make it so that every child on earth ends up with the proper care they require to be nurtured into adulthood. And how it should be a front-of-mind topic for churches if we take the Bible seriously.
That being said, definitely a decent overview of things that contribute to children being left orphaned and how there is much work to be done on many fronts to make it so that every child on earth ends up with the proper care they require to be nurtured into adulthood. And how it should be a front-of-mind topic for churches if we take the Bible seriously.
November 25, 2019
Really good read and opened my eyes further to what we can do as believers specifically for orphaned children. I think this is a very good intro to not just why we need to do something and take action but also how we can take action beyond just adoption. I appreciated how Carr related orphans to a wide variety of other topics including human trafficking, poverty, abortion, foster care and racism, and while he could have gone more in depth for each one I think what he wrote about was a good way to be introduced to the topics. It was overall a good balance between his own story and exposition into each topic and how we can take action. I’m convicted to re-examine my own heart and life in this area - I absolutely want to do more than I currently am.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews