Slum Feast

Read “A Slum Feast” from Seth Cook Rees’s book, Miracles in the Slums.

Seth Cook Rees, the “Earthquaker” was a powerful holiness evangelist at the close of the 19th century. He was also deeply concerned about the plight of many urban dwellers, especially young men and women who left rural settings to find employment in the city, only to be enticed or be forced into immoral conduct. The sub-title of his book describes well his ministry – “Thrilling Stories of Those Rescued from the Cesspools of Iniquity.” Rees was responsible for establishing rescue missions for men and “homes” for single women with unwanted pregnancies or seeking escape from human trafficking.

As you read the brief chapter, notice how the feeding of the unfortunate city dwellers was accompanied by a proclamation of the gospel and an invitation to accept Christ at these suppers. Rees would consider that essential. When offering a cup of cold water or a meal, one must always also proclaim that it was in the name of Jesus and his good news of salvation. Otherwise, it would only be an act of humanitarian charity.

But there are those who see this practice as highly manipulative. Rather than giving out of a pure heart of compassion, one is guilty of “baiting the hook” and expecting a positive return on the benevolence by a spiritual response of conversion. These individuals would say that one gives purely as an expression of following Jesus’ actions of healing and feeding without any expectation of a response (Matthew 25:44-46).

Write a brief essay of 200-250 words, choosing one side or the other of this question.

Should Christian acts of charity be accompanied by some clear witness? Is it essential that the action is done in the “name of Jesus” and his gospel so that the recipient has a clear opportunity to accept Christian faith? Or is this a bait and switch? Should Christian acts of charity be motivated by selfless giving without any need or attempt to inform the recipient that the source of the charitable act was a believer in Christ.

After making your initial post, please read through the responses of your classmates and make at least three follow-up comments on a different day than your original post. These responses should contribute meaningfully to the discussion, whether by asking insightful questions, providing additional examples or perspectives, or challenging ideas respectfully. Each follow-up comment should be at least 100 words. This discussion is worth 30 points.