Poverty: The Poverty of Nations by Grudem and Asmus

Today I'm adding 'The Poverty of Nations' by Wayne Grudem and Barry Asmus (Available from Amazon) to the Master Reading List under the category of 'Poverty'.

Theologian Wayne Grudem and economist Barry Asmus have teamed up to write a very helpful directive for solving the poverty that plagues much of the world. 

At the beginning of the book, the authors propose that if a poor nation wishes to become wealthy, the correct goal is 'to become a nation that continually produces more goods and services each year.'  This requires a nation to 'be willing to examine its official policies, laws, economic structures, and cultural values and traditions to see whether they promote or restrain increases in the goods and services that the nation produces.'  The book then proceeds to outline a complex solution involving seventy-eight specific factors that should be examined by all countries.

I like this book.  I like this book a lot.

I like that the book is Biblical.  The authors consistently demonstrate that the truths it proposes are based on God's truth.

I like that the book is based on real research data.  The veracity of the authors' thesis is demonstrated by the citation of numerous studies and various accounts from world history.

I like that the book answers objections.  The authors are not living in an ivory tower.  They are fully aware of opposing views and deftly counteract them.  For example, the major moral objections to free markets are answered in detail.

I like that the book is well structured.  Grudem's books are consistently well organised and this one is no exception.  Just take a look at the 'detailed' table of contents and you'll see what I mean.

Quite frankly, I haven't seen a better book on the subject of poverty.  Buy it, read it, and start to encourage its principles today and the world will, in all likelihood, be a better place as a result.