Poverty and Place

Here’s Shane Claiborne and Ash Barker discussing five chapters on Poverty and Place:
 
Following Jesus to Winson Green by Louise Jones
Poverty has a Name and a Face by Sandra Crawford
When Everyone Dies by Anji Barker
Coastal Incarnations: Finding Neighbours in Neglected Corners by Barney Barron
Faith, Hope, and Love in Morecambe by Michael Kohl

Questions for you

  1. Shane spoke of “falling forwards” into action – not arriving with set plans but discerning the Spirit from close proximity within a community. How does this challenge the way you have been working in your community? Do you agree that it is a crucial part of how we live for Jesus and Justice?
  2. These stories suggest the importance of “unlearning”. What have you had to “unlearn”? Are there specific experiences that have helped you in this?
  3. Ash suggested hope is one of the antidotes to poverty, but it is often in short supply. Reflect on the glimmers of hope you see in situations of injustice around you. Specifically, how can you add to these in your community?
  4. Shane saw loneliness as the poverty of the privileged. Have you experienced this in communities you have been part of? How might activism invite everyone out of spiritual poverty?
  5. Sally used the metaphor of a “dry stone wall” – working with wonky things, people and places. Is there anything that scares you about this reality?