Christian Mission and Poverty

228

Christian Mission and Poverty

say about how followers of Jesus make money, spend money, and give money away. Christian mission includes recognizing the prominence of the least and the last in the kingdom. Many of the political arguments modern Christians have about poverty and money miss the point. None of the Christian leaders we have talked with in this book thinks that either an unlimited free market or forced centralized ownership is a good thing. While they may speak about the role of government, their primary concern is calling the church to be a new community, a new society, a new polis , in which the poor are elevated and the marginalized are central. As you continue to read about, reflect upon, and discuss your sacred roots, may you and your community dream together about how to creatively live out Christian mission in the world. Whether you are called to work toward charity amidst people in need, economic development in under-resourced communities, or justice alongside marginalized people, may you find yourself in the company of the saints who have gone before. As we modern Christians connect with the tradition of our faith, may we say along with our new friends that Christianity is the faith of the poor.