The Role of Christian Communities in Diminishing Poverty: The Advantages and Disadvantages of Inherent Characteristics of Christian Communities

Abstract

In the foundational text of Christianity, the call for social justice is clear. In the United States, the Christian Church is one of the largest institutions in existence. This paper explores the advantages and disadvantages of inherent characteristics of the institutions of the Christian Church in poverty relief efforts. With analysis of Reverend Eugene Rivers' work that brought about what is referred to as the "Boston Miracle," this paper seeks to understand how Christian Churches can take advantage of inherent characteristics and how those same characteristics hinder the efforts of anti-poverty work.