Welfare in America
Book Description
In a landscape where welfare debates often devolve into simplistic arguments about dependency versus compassion, James W. Skillen offers a thoughtful alternative rooted in biblical wisdom and practical understanding. Rather than choosing sides in polarized discussions, this comprehensive exploration invites readers to consider a deeper question: How can society's various institutions work together to restore human dignity and create lasting change?
Skillen challenges both conservative and progressive assumptions by examining welfare through the lens of biblical personhood and institutional responsibility. He argues that true social healing requires each sector of society—families, churches, schools, government, and community organizations—to fulfill its unique calling rather than expecting any single institution to solve complex social problems alone.
The book addresses contemporary challenges ranging from family breakdown to global economic shifts, constitutional questions about faith-based initiatives, and the ongoing confusion in social science research about what actually causes poverty. Throughout, Skillen maintains that effective assistance should aim to restore people and communities to their proper roles in a flourishing society.
For readers seeking a biblically grounded yet practically minded approach to social issues, this work offers a framework that moves beyond political talking points toward genuine solutions. Skillen's vision of shalom—wholeness and peace—provides hope that poverty and social decay can be replaced with renewed community vitality when institutions embrace their distinct responsibilities.
Who Is This For?
📖 Reading Level: Long (> 400 pages) (~16 hours)
📄 Length: 582 pages
What You'll Discover
- ✓ Explore Public welfare
- ✓ Explore Religious aspects
- ✓ Explore Sozialhilfe
- ✓ Explore Church and social problems
- ✓ Explore Christianity
- ✓ Explore Aufsatzsammlung
- ✓ Explore Church and social problems, united states
- ✓ Explore Public welfare, united states
