A Revolution of Compassion: Faith-Based Groups As Full Partners in Fighting America's Social Problems

From Publishers Weekly
It's not easy to write a reasoned and easy-to-read book about the politically superheated topic of faith-based groups and social services. The authors, a nonprofit specialist and a policy specialist, creditably do so. They speak to evangelical Christians to encourage them to come to the public table, where they may act as citizens and neighbors in a way that accommodates and affirms, rather than threatens or ignores, their religious beliefs. The authors carefully explain the unfolding of federal Charitable Choice provisions of the late 1990s and during George W. Bush's administration that have redefined what money groups can get to provide what kind of community services to those in need. They call for less suspicion and a good deal more partnering with other sources of charitable help, provided that a faith group has the confidence and clarity that its social work is a faithful expression of what it believes. One flaw in the book is a scanty sense of history: Catholics have delivered 150 years of human services in America without losing their religion, and that track record deserves more thorough notice here. (The authors do acknowledge providers motivated by their religious beliefs to minister to bodies and souls, notably the Salvation Army.) Still, this is not so much a theoretical book as a practical one with advice, suggestions and basic resources for evangelical groups ready for the opportunity and challenge of fulfilling the great commission by acting as good Samaritans. This is a needed book. Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From the Back Cover
ìFaith-based solutions to our nationís social problems are the wave of the future. Donaldson and Carlson-Thies provide a clear explanation of the thinking behind faith-based initiatives, dispel persistent and damaging myths about faith-based solutions, and provide practical advice to encourage Christians toward compassionate service.î-Charles W. Colson, Prison Fellowship Ministries ìThe ërevolution of compassioní that Stanley Carlson-Thies and Dave Donaldson write about in this thought-provoking book is a work in progress. Agree with their analysis or not-and I agree, but only in part-they have furnished a formidable foundation for future debates and discussions about faith-based approaches to poverty and other social ills.î-John J. DiIulio Jr., Frederic Fox Leadership Professor, University of Pennsylvania nonresident senior fellow at the Brookings Institution and former director of the White House Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives ìAt last someone has told us what it is, how it works, and what we should do.î-Doug Wead, former special assistant to President George H. W. Bush ìThis book is nothing short of masterful: a careful, studied, and yet passionate argument for faith-based organizations to cooperate with the government to improve the lives of all Americans.î-Ted Haggard, president, National Association of Evangelicals ìFaith-based organizations will avoid many of the pitfalls of government and corporate partnerships by reading A Revolution of Compassion.î-Robert E. Reccord, president, North American Mission Board, SBC ìThe ideas in this book give me great hope for America. When churches, businesses, and governments collaborate, mighty things can happen to cause productive change in communities.î-Bob Buford, founder, Leadership Network Dave Donaldson is founder and CEO of We Care America (WCA) in Washington, D.C., a national nonprofit organization that unites, strengthens, and multiplies effective social service ministries. Stanley Carlson-Thies, formerly of the White House Office of Faith-Based & Community Initiatives, is acting director of the Civitas Program in Faith & Public Affairs at the Center for Public Justice.


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It's not easy to write a reasoned and easy-to-read book about the politically superheated topic of faith-based groups and social services. The authors, a nonprofit specialist and a policy specialist, creditably do so. They speak to evangelical Christians to encourage them to come to the public table, where they may act as citizens and neighbors in a way that accommodates and affirms, rather than threatens or ignores, their religious beliefs. The authors carefully explain the unfolding of federal Charitable Choice provisions of the late 1990s and during George W. Bush's administration that have redefined what money groups can get to provide what kind of community services to those in need. They call for less suspicion and a good deal more partnering with other sources of charitable help, provided that a faith group has the confidence and clarity that its social work is a faithful expression of what it believes. One flaw in the book is a scanty sense of history: Catholics have delivered 150 years of human services in America without losing their religion, and that track record deserves more thorough notice here. (The authors do acknowledge providers motivated by their religious beliefs to minister to bodies and souls, notably the Salvation Army.) Still, this is not so much a theoretical book as a practical one with advice, suggestions and basic resources for evangelical groups ready for the opportunity and challenge of fulfilling the great commission by acting as good Samaritans. This is a needed book. (Aug.) Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information.


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