American Christians and Poverty Myths: Beyond the Veil of Meritocracy

As a sociologist, Mark T. Mulder argues that evangelicals too often misunderstand the fundamental causes of poverty. Many believe that the way out of poverty is for people to behave differently. However, such understanding fails to acknowledge the structural impediments that haunt millions. Yet, progressive Christians, who tend to recognize such structural factors, often implement similar responses as evangelicals. Either way, Mulder argues that many Christians hamper their attempts to foster justice as part of a Christian response to poverty.

American Christians and Poverty Myths offers a vivid, yet data-based, portrait of causes of poverty in the United States. Mulder crafts a rich tapestry of historical trends that helps evangelical and progressive Christians alike better understand the complex matrix of factors and respond more effectively. Mulder demonstrates that such myth-busting portraits of poverty can better position both evangelicals and progressives to reevaluate how they advocate, albeit in their own ways, for policy-level and institutional remedies that can better effect a more just society.