"When Helping Hurts" - Book Review

One of my interests over the years has been community and economic development. Twenty years ago, when I was studying at Eastern University getting an M.B.A. in economic development, we read lots of books about the topic. I’ve read a number since. There have been a number of good books but I recently read one I want to recommend to those of you who are interested in the topic.

When Helping Hurts: How to Alleviate Poverty Without Hurting the Poor … and Yourself by Steve Corbett and Brian Fikkert. The blurb on the back of the book says:

When Helping Hurts reveals the painful truth about poverty. But it does more than tell you what not to do. The book moves from foundational concepts about poverty (Who are the poor?), to principles (Should we do relief, rehabilitation, or development?), to strategies (How can we help the poor domestically? Internationally?)

The book is relatively short read but it is intended for a lay audience and gives a wonderful introduction into thinking about development issues from a Christian perspective. It even has a chapter that challenges us to rethink what we are doing with our short-term mission trips.

I suspect I’m probably not as theologically conservative as the authors but I readily embrace how they have processed the issues through a Christian lens. I’ve recommended the book to several people so I thought I would recommend here to you as well.