poverty
Social Darwinism, Social Universalism, and a Biblical Alternative
By Bonnie Kristian at Christianity Today
· June 24, 2026
· 1 min read
Henny Youngman began his famous comedy routine, “Take my wife—please.” I’m beginning this series of columns, “Take Gil Rife Jr.—please.” I spent hours with Gil at Eden Village, a Missouri homeless community where I stayed for six days in October 2023. Of all the homeless people in this series of col
Key takeaway ” I spent hours with Gil at Eden Village, a Missouri homeless community where I stayed for six days in October 2023.
Why this matters
The exploration of Social Darwinism, Social Universalism, and a Biblical Alternative in the context of poverty highlights the complexities of addressing homelessness. By immersing himself in a Missouri homeless community, the author gains a deeper understanding of the issues at hand. The mention of Eden Village, a community that provides a unique setting for homeless individuals, raises questions about the effectiveness of current solutions to poverty. The fact that the author spent six days at Eden Village and had extensive conversations with residents like Gil Rife Jr. suggests that personal connections and relationships are crucial in understanding the needs of homeless individuals. This approach contrasts with the often impersonal nature of social policies, emphasizing the need for a more nuanced and compassionate approach to addressing poverty, one that incorporates biblical principles and values. The series of columns promises to delve deeper into these issues, offering a thoughtful examination of the intersection of faith and social responsibility.
About this story
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Category: poverty ·
Published: June 24, 2026 ·
Source: Christianity Today ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Henny Youngman began his famous comedy routine, “Take my wife—please.” I’m beginning this series of columns, “Take Gil Rife Jr.—please.” I spent hours with Gil at Eden Village, a Missouri homeless community where I stayed for six days in October 2023. Of all the homeless people in this series of col
When was this published? This article was first published on June 24, 2026 by Christianity Today and curated for Jesus Give readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Bonnie Kristian at Christianity Today. To learn more about how Jesus Give selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more poverty coverage from Jesus Give, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .