In the Shadow of Plenty: The Biblical Blueprint for Welfare

Biblical Blueprint Series

by George Grant

An authentic biblical approach to deal with world hunger issues.

Genres: Economics, Theology, Cultural, Politics, Religion, Christianity, Christian

210 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1986

About the author

Dr. George Grant is an evangelical educator recognized by a Tennessee newspaper “Review Appeal” as the one who “lives and breathes” education.

Grant is known as a reformed scholar and evangelical activist who hopes to promote sound Christian doctrine, seeking honest answers to honest questions, developing true spirituality and experiencing the beauty of human relationships.

He founded Franklin Classical School, located in Franklin, Tennessee and the King’s Meadow Study Center, which seeks to help the modern church to develop a practical cultural expression of a Christian worldview in art, music, literature, politics, social research, community development and education.

Grant has also produced numerous writings of more than 60 works on the topics relating to theology, school curriculum, arts, fiction and politics.

Reviews

[Alexandra Medina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good principles and ideas. While I don't agree wholeheartedly with every point (when does that ever happen anyway?), I think his analysis is mostly correct. I think the Church needs to step up to the plate, and as the people who make up the Church, so do we as individuals. Only God can truly help and heal the struggling.

[Ashten Swartz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a life-changing book. It will be in my favorites list this year. I will be revisiting it often I think. I’m so grateful for George Grant. He is a faithful, intelligent, well-read man with a deep love of God and a fearless way of calling God’s people to BE Christians…and to do it Biblically and with love…for God and neighbor.

[Aaron D Hodson · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the most profound books I have read in a long time! This book provides a Biblical, practical and actionable approach to true mercy-ministry focused on long-term transformation of communities and culture! Excellent!

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book, though written thirty years ago, is as relevant now, as it was when it was first published. Little to nothing has changed since then. Grant is concerned with the church's lack of concern over both the condition of those in poverty, but more importantly, the glory of God being diminished by the usurpation of authority that the state has taken upon itself, away from the church in its ascent to divinity.

Most of the book lays out the biblical principles for charity. Grant argues that charity comes from a position of authority. When the state took over charity from the family and church, it was a power grab, designed to diminish the role of both. That the church went along, demonstrates our complicity in the problem.

After laying out these principles, he shows what the church must do to reclaim its role, and its standing in American culture. He refers readers to two of his other books for more specifics, though these chapters are still helpful.

This is an important book, though there are many others in its mold. I encourage readers interested in this book to start with "Productive Christians in an Age of Guilt Manipulators" by David Chilton. This is much longer book, but much more comprehensive.

[Jacob Pippin · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you truly seek to learn about what God has to say about poverty and the role of His church and people, read this book. This should be in the library of every church in America. Can’t recommend it highly enough.

[Lynn Joshua · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good, insightful book, but I have to say - George Grant is a much better speaker than writer.

[Grace DuBois · Rating 2 out of 5]

Even in the "shadow of plenty" there is starvation, still. . .
What does the bible say about this? How can we biblically solve this problem?
In this book George Grant, (author) explains his guided (and biblical) approach to solving the starvation problems of today.

What should the government do, or rather NOT do?
How does the church play an important role?
In what ways can the family help?

[Gregory · Rating 3 out of 5]

Helpful analysis. Especially helpful in these times, when there is so much confusion about what the Bible teaches about poverty, charity, and the role of the government. Although it is a bit dated, the principles are still very relevant.

[Rory Fry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very helpful. Recon literature is so clear and concise.

[Thomas Quinn · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this with my kids for their homeschool curriculum so we could discuss it. Pretty good information, but reads like a textbook.

[Jimmy]

I write this review in an election year (2008). There is a need for a biblical view to be expounded upon in regards to Government and welfare. Overall, I agree with the principles in this book and also its perspective of charity in the sphere of individual families and the church. There is much to be done, and he documents a bit of the failure of the state and the immorality of the state in its enterprise with Welfare. Other books could further establish this, if you wanted the argument concerning this to be more developed and documented. However, his aim is to have to a Biblical blueprint to resolve the problem. Non-theonomist and theonomists alike should read this book. The only concern for me is that at times I was extremely annoyed with some of the sloppy citation he gave of Scripture, where it does not logically support his idea. Despite this, I agree with the overall principles of this book.

[John Paul · Rating 5 out of 5]

George Grant presents hard-hitting, Biblically-based arguments for eliminating government social programs. He shows that it is an essential part of the Church's job of evangelism to provide charity to the poor and oppressed.

[Douglas Wilson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good.

[Michael Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

this book has many good ideas for productivity both economically and spiritually!

[Ryan M Marks]

Very detailed explanation of a Biblical worldview

[Steve · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good short summary of the Biblical doctrine of welfare, work and poverty.