From Blessing of the Backpack tags that declare children, “Blessed to be a blessing” to the introduction of the weekly offering, ("We have been so richly blessed"), mainline Christians have become accustomed to using language about God’s blessing in their lives, and comfortable with ecclesial encouragement toward gratitude for God’s grace and favor. But American society is also seeing unprecedented income inequality, the ongoing effects of structural inequalities and institutional racism, and the rise of both the prosperity gospel and outbreaks of white supremacy which makes use of Christian language and symbols. Unexamined assertions of blessing and gratitude which manifests as feeling more than action are insufficient for this cultural moment: Christians need an account of suffering and inequality that compels them to change; Christians need an account of hope and abundance that enables them to conquer their fears of losing advantages, that encourages open-hearted sharing instead of stockpiling resources.

I was raised as a pastor’s kid in several affluent communities in Chicago’s northern suburbs; I’ve had abundant opportunities, experienced the benefits of privilege. I’ve studied theology and I’ve studied social sciences and public policy: I can preach the Gospel (and introduce the offering) and I can give an account of economic inequality. What I can’t yet do – what I want to spend the next year learning to do – is explain the persistence of inequality in a world in which God is nevertheless present and active.

There are other books that speak of race, privilege, and providence, though few for a lay audience.  My hope is that the memoir quality of my work might in particular disarm those defensive about their wealth. I wrote my first two books while working full-time, but answering these questions simply requires more research. This proposal, then, seeks funding to research my next book: for books, interviews, and childcare for time to read and write.