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Book Reviews
619
Heather D. Curtis,Holy Humanitarians: American Evangelicals and Global Aid
(Cambridge,MA: Harvard University Press, 2018). 384 pp. $29.95 hardcover.
American evangelicals have a long and storied history of providing aid to those less fortunate in their own country and around the globe. While the practice of almsgiving is accepted with little argument as a biblical mandate, evangelicals have “often argued over whom, when, and how to help” (13). Deep rifts between denominations and charitable organizations have developed over thepraxisof philanthropy. Yet, American evangelicals have also astounded the world with their generosity and willingness to help in times of great need.HolyHumanitar- ians provides a glimpse into Christian charity by detailing the rise and impact of the nineteenth century’s most influential religious newspaper—the Chris- tian Herald.
Holy Humanitariansis a history text, but is by no means simply a list of facts and dates. Heather Curtis writes not only to preserve the narrative but also to interpret its implications for our time. In her words, “this history exposes how instances of exceptional generosity have been bound up with personal self-interest and broader political agendas; how charitable engagement has been shaped by a mix of sincere religious convictions, shrewd business calcula- tions … and how the practice of philanthropy has always involved the exercise of privilege, prejudice, and power” (6). Through tracing the Christian Herald’s saga, Curtis speaks to the modern “charitywars” in America. She details howthe Herald addressed debates regarding which poor are deserving of help, where monies may be spent for the “best” impact, and how racism and colonialism are often inextricably linked to almsgiving. Throughout the text, readers will find themselves marking parallels to current times as though looking in a mir- ror.
Curtis begins Holy Humanitariansby introducing two main characters: Rev- erend Thomas De Witt Talmage and Louis Klopsch, the founders of the Chris- tian Herald. Talmage preached a message of good news for the poor, forgive- ness, and redemption. Klopsch, an ex-convict, embraced Talmage’s theology without hesitation. Together they launched the Christian Herald. The news- paper’s mission was to be “an instrument by which God’s people all over the country could work out their plans for the betterment of humanity” (20). Klop- sch and Talmage strove to keep the Heraldnon-denominational. They avoided controversial subjects, both politically and theologically, preferring instead to focus on relief campaigns and charity. As their subscription base grew theHer- ald’s fundraising efforts became ever-larger, eventually earning its founders global notoriety. While other charities relied on substantial endowments from wealthy donors, the Herald focused on grassroots contributions from Chris-
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tians across America. No donation was too small and none were viewed as insignificant. Alms-givers were recognized by name in the pages of the Her- ald and detailed accounting records of each aid operation were published. The Herald boasted that one hundred percent of monies received for various relief drives went directly to provide succor for those in need. The operational expenses of the Heraldand its workers were paid for by advertising income.
Klopsch ran many successful fundraising campaigns, providing aid to those suffering famine in Russia, Turkey, India, and Cuba. In America, the Bowery Mission was established in New York City to feed the hungry and Klopsch directed other relief efforts around the country as needs arose. For some time the Herald could boast that it was the preeminent Christian charity in the United States. It is clear the the Herald’s mission of providing aid was accom- plished and that the newspaper thrived under Klopsch and Talmage’s leader- ship. However, readers will find it easy to question the Herald, just as Curtis does in her assessment. In its effort to stay away from controversial topics, the Heraldremained silent on “the increasingly violent and systemic oppression of African Americans, Native communities, and certain classes of foreign immi- grants throughout the United States” (175). Attempting to appease its audience and keep the storehouses full, theHeraldswitched frequently between preach- ing aid for all persons as children of God and assuring readers that only the “deserving” poor would receive sustenance. Klopsch himself took special inter- est in projects that would bring the Herald notoriety and acclaim while ignor- ing relief efforts that offered little opportunity for the Herald’s advancement. Viewed through different lenses, Klopsch and Talmage may be seen as both saints and sinners. Curtis addresses this tension as a historian and a person of faith, stating “I can say only that I believe history has more than two sides and that the people who live it are far more complex than such simple dualisms allow” (280).
The greatest strength in Curtis’ argument is its applicability to modern evan- gelical philanthropy. While reading, I was struck by how little things seem to have changed since the times of the Christian Herald. Almsgiving as a prac- tice is still fraught with difficulties. Those who give alms are concerned that their aid go to “deserving” parties, and those who manage the distribution often prioritize personal and organizational gain. If there is to be a weakness noted in this text, it is perhaps that Holy Humanitarians could go further in describ- ing a theology of almsgiving. Curtis does not present a simple history of the Christian Herald; but throughout the book challenges the reader to question their own assumptions about charity, its proper application, and the relation- ship of the giver to the recipient. In doing so Curtis opens a theological door, hinting that there is a correct path forward, but leaving the reader to discover
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this route for her/himself. Nevertheless, Holy Humanitarians is an extremely valuable resource for believers. Academics, pastors, and laypersons alike will benefit from this history that also reflects current circumstances. It is impos- sible to read Holy Humanitarians without thinking of the great need that still exists in the world, and of the responsibility on those who claim the name of Jesus to provide succor.
Hannah Siegmund
Southeastern University, Lakeland, Florida [email protected]
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