Compare and Contrast Paper
docx
keyboard_arrow_up
School
Liberty University *
*We aren’t endorsed by this school
Course
525
Subject
Religion
Date
Feb 20, 2024
Type
docx
Pages
13
Uploaded by dmbarnes1010
Compare and Contrast Paper
Under the Overpass: A Journey of Faith on the Streets of America and Dignity: Seeking Respect in Back Row America
Des’monay Barnes
March 2023
THEO615
1
Content
Chapter 1: Introduction …………………………………………………….……3
Chapter 2: Comparing and Contrasting …………………………………………4
Under the Overpass: A Journey of Faith on the Street ……………………
4
Dignity: Seeking Respect in Back Row America ………………….………. 7
The Contrast
…………………………………………………………… 9
Chapter 3: Conclusion ………………………………………………………….11
Bibliography ……………………………………………………..……………..13
2
Compare and Contrast: Under the Overpass: A Journey of Faith on the Streets of America and
Dignity: Seeking Respect in Back Row America
Chapter 1: Introduction
Under the Overpass: A Journey of Faith on the Streets of America and Dignity: Seeking Respect in Back Row America both explore the lives of people living in poverty in the United States. However, they take different approaches to the topic. Under the Overpass
focuses on the spiritual aspect of poverty, following author Mike Yankoski on his journey to be homeless and explore the theological implications of his experiences.
1
He talks to and learns from those he meets on his journey, providing an intimate look at how faith can help people survive and thrive in difficult circumstances. Dignity
takes a more journalistic view of poverty.
2
Chris Arnade focuses on the physical and psychological toll poverty has had on people, exploring how the lack
of economic opportunity has shaped the lives of people in small towns and cities across the country.
3
He interviews and photographs the people he meets, showing a more general view of the struggles faced by those living in poverty. Overall, both books provide an important insight into the lives of those living in poverty in the United States. While Under the Overpass
(UTO) 1
Yankoski, Mike.
Under the Overpass: A Journey of Faith on the Streets of America
. Sisters, OR:
Multnomah Press, 2005.
2
Arnade, Chris.
Dignity: Seeking Respect in Back Row America or Under the Overpass: A Journey of Faith on the Streets of America
. Cape Town, South Africa: Penguin Random House, 2019.
3
Ibid.
3
Your preview ends here
Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version
- Access to all documents
- Unlimited textbook solutions
- 24/7 expert homework help
focuses more on the spiritual aspect of poverty, Dignity focuses on the economic and political issues.
4
Both books provide an intimate look at the lives of people living in poverty, offering an important perspective on the struggles they face. This paper will explore the similarities and the differences of both author’s experiences while using biblical concepts for helping the poor. Chapter 2: Comparing and Contrasting Under the Overpass: A Journey of Faith on the Street
Under the Overpass: A Journey of Faith on the Street
is a compelling book written by Mike Yankoski.
5
The book reflects Mike's journey across America where he was homeless for five months along with his friend Sam. He narrates his experiences of mingling with the homeless population of the country, its emotions, struggles, and more.
6
The book compares the struggles of the homeless to that of people who are not and have more fortunate opportunities. The text also reflects on how it impacts their lives. Additionally, it highlights the significance of faith and God in such situations.
7
Matthew 25:35-40 was the main scripture used in the text as the passage is about Jesus' teaching on caring for the poor and hungry; seemingly as Yankoski faced hunger on his journey.
8
The book begins with Mike observing the homeless people around him and wondering how he could connect with them. He then decides to live like one of them for five months to 4
Ibid.
5
Yankoski, Mike.
Under the Overpass: A Journey of Faith on the Streets of America
.
6
Ibid.
7
Jansson, Anton. “‘The Pure Teachings of Jesus’: On the Christian Language of Wilhelm Weitling’s Communism.”
Praktyka Teoretyczna
3, no. 29 (2019): 30–48. http://dx.doi.org/10.14746/prt.2018.3.2.
8
World Publishing Company.
Holy Bible
. Iowa Falls, IA: World Bible, 2004.
4
understand their problems and get a glimpse of their lives. During his journey, he faces a lot of difficulties, including hunger, shelter issues, and more.
9
However, the book emphasizes Sam and Mike's strategy of relying on faith and their trust in God to help them through it. The journey made them realize that God is always present in every situation and that he addresses the needs of his people.
10
One of the most prominent scriptures used in the book is from Matthew 25:40, "Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me."
11
This verse is a significant theme throughout the book as Yankoski realizes that when he serves and helps the homeless, he is serving and helping Jesus himself. This realization helps him find a
deeper sense of purpose and compassion for those he is alongside on the streets.
12
Among the most striking contrasts highlighted in the book is a difference in people's attitudes towards homeless people. The book emphasizes that many people avoid contact with the homeless or view them with contempt, considering them lazy or responsible for their circumstances.
13
The book highlights how there seems to be a lack of dignity and Christ- like behaviors towards the homeless at times and that is a concept that lacks God’s mission. Nonetheless, the book emphasizes that the homeless people Mike and Sam met were kind, generous, and spiritual. Therefore, it urged those of the church and the local community to take on others from a fresh perspective and treat others as they would like to be treated.
14
9
Ibid.
10
Chia, Philip Suciadi. “Analysis of the Effectiveness of Jesus’ Parable: A Cognitive Psychology Approach.”
Journal of research on christian education
29, no. 3 (2020): 272–284. http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/10656219.2020.1835593.
11
Holy Bible
. Matthew 25:35-40.
12
Ibid.
13
Henderson, Andrew. “Book Review: No Place like Home: Christians and the Scandal of Homelessness.”
Theology
93, no. 753 (1990): 249–250. http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/0040571x9009300331.
14
Ibid.
5
Another scripture that is referenced in the book is James 2:14-17, which discusses the importance of faith and action working together.
15
Yankoski realizes that he cannot just sit with his faith but must put it into action by helping those in need. He says, "It's not enough to merely believe that faith and works go hand in hand. We must put that belief into practice." 16
This scripture inspires Yankoski to act and motivates readers to consider how they can put their faith into tangible acts of service.
The book also addresses the issue of how people's experiences, whether positive or negative, affect them emotionally and psychologically. Mike's journey highlights that the homeless face much more than just physical difficulties. The emotional impact of being homeless significantly affects people's mental and emotional health.
17
Hence, it's essential to address the impact of people's experiences and recognize that they require care and support.
Yankoski was able to engage the local church by participating in services, volunteering to
help those in need, and connecting with church members and local pastors.
18
He found that while
some churches were open to helping the poor, others were closed off and unwilling to get involved. He also found that churches which were more engaged with the local community and actively sought to help those in need were more successful in their outreach.
19
In the end, Mike found that the local churches had a powerful role to play in helping the poor and those in need. In
conclusion, UTO is a profound book that speaks to believers and non-believers alike.
20
The book highlights the critical issues of homelessness, faith, and living conditions of people living in poverty. The contrast between people's lived reality and how society perceives them is striking.
21
15
Holy Bible
. James 2:14-17.
16
Yankoski, Mike.
Under the Overpass: A Journey of Faith on the Streets of America
.
17
Ibid.
18
Ibid.
19
Ibid.
20
Ibid.
21
Henderson, Andrew. Book Review: No Place like Home: Christians and the Scandal of Homelessness.
6
Your preview ends here
Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version
- Access to all documents
- Unlimited textbook solutions
- 24/7 expert homework help
The book effectively appeals to readers, churches, and the community to embrace empathy and human kindness in treating people, regardless of their living conditions just as Mike did in order to properly interact with people.
22
Dignity: Seeking Respect in Back Row America Dignity: Seeking Respect in Back Row America
is a book written by Chris Arnade.
23
The author delves deep into the lives of the people living in poor neighborhoods across the United States. The book is an eye-opener for anyone looking to understand the lives of those living in poverty.
24
The author takes a compassionate approach and tries to understand why people in poor neighborhoods make choices that people in more affluent neighborhoods might find questionable.
25
He spends time with them, listens to their stories, takes pictures of them, and gives them a voice. Arnade's goal is to show the dignity inherent in every human being, regardless of their social and economic standing.
26
Arnade's major thesis is that the people living in the back row of America, the people who live in poverty, are in search of respect and dignity. For Arnade, respect and dignity are intertwined meaning that people who are respected are also given dignity because they are recognized as people with value.
27
To illustrate his point, Arnade tells the story of Alice, a sex worker in Hunts Point, New York.
28
Alice had many problems, including addiction and abusive relationships. However, 22
Yankoski, Mike.
Under the Overpass: A Journey of Faith on the Streets of America
.
23
Arnade.
Dignity: Seeking Respect in Back Row America or Under the Overpass: A Journey of
Faith on the Streets of America
.
24
Ibid.
25
Ibid.
26
Ibid.
27
Ibid.
28
Ibid.
7
Arnade saw her not as a problem to be solved, but as a human being worthy of respect and dignity. He spent time with her, listened to her stories, and turned her into a subject, not an object.
29
This is upon many ways that he interacted with the community and helped to provide them with the dignity they deserved as God’s people. Arnade is a great storyteller, and his stories
demonstrate the humanity of the people living in poor neighborhoods. He argues that people living in poverty are not simply faceless masses; rather, they are individuals with their own hopes, dreams, and stories.
30
To make his point, Arnade draws on his own experience. He left Wall Street, where he had a promising career, to pursue a new path. He went to Hunts Point, a poor neighborhood in New York City, to take pictures and to listen to the stories of people living in poverty. Arnade's experiences gave him a deep appreciation for the values of the people living in these neighborhoods.
31
Chris Arnade visited many churches across the United States and found that many of them were actively engaged in helping the poor and those in need.
32
He describes how churches in many places run food pantries, shelters, and other services to help those in need. Arnade found that the churches’ commitment to their communities was often inspiring and that they were often the most reliable source of help in many places.
33
Arnade quotes the scripture found in Matthew 25:35-36.
34
The passage reads, “For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 29
Arnade.
Dignity: Seeking Respect in Back Row America or Under the Overpass: A Journey of
Faith on the Streets of America
.
30
Joseph, Shini, and Ajith Kumar. “Sreenarayana Guru - Teachings, Caste, Religion and God.”
International Research Journal of Science and Technology
(2020): 319–322. http://dx.doi.org/10.46378/irjst.2020.020103.
31
Ibid.
32
Ibid.
33
Ibid.
34
Holy Bible
. Matthew 25: 35-36.
8
I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you
came to visit me.”
35
Seemingly as he also found that some churches were not doing enough to help those in need and that more could be done. He emphasizes that churches should be open to everyone, regardless of their backgrounds, and that they should be willing to help those in need in any way they can.
36
Reminding us of Psalm 23 in the book: "The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want."
37
In conclusion, Dignity: Seeking Respect in Back Row America
is a thoughtful and compassionate book that sheds light on the lives of people living in poverty.
38
It is a reminder that every human being, regardless of their social and economic standing, deserves respect and dignity. Arnade's book is a powerful call to action for all Americans to treat everyone with respect and compassion.
39
The book reminds us that we all have a responsibility to address poverty and inequality in our society.
The Contrast The two books, Dignity
by Chris Arnade and Under the Overpass
by Mike Yankoski, offer contrasting perspectives on homelessness in America.
40
Arnade highlights the dignity and humanity of those living on the margins of society, while Yankoski chronicles a personal journey
of experiencing homelessness firsthand.
41
Despite their differences, both authors provide 35
Holy Bible
. Matthew 25: 35-36.
36
Joseph and Kumar. “Sreenarayana Guru - Teachings, Caste, Religion and God.”
37
Holy Bible
. Psalms 23.
38
Ibid.
39
Ibid.
40
Arnade.
Dignity: Seeking Respect in Back Row America or Under the Overpass: A Journey of
Faith on the Streets of America
. And Yankoski, Mike.
Under the Overpass: A Journey of Faith
on the Streets of America
.
41
Ibid.
9
Your preview ends here
Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version
- Access to all documents
- Unlimited textbook solutions
- 24/7 expert homework help
valuable insights into the complex issue of homelessness as they both reflect upon Matthew 25: 35-40 to aid their insights and reasoning.
42
Furthermore, Arnade's Dignity
focuses on the stories of individuals living in poverty, often in forgotten parts of the United States.
43
He seeks to humanize and give voice to people who are often invisible or marginalized. Through his photography and writing, Arnade shows the
resilience, kindness, and complexity of those he meets. He also critiques a society that values wealth and productivity over compassion and empathy.
44
In contrast, Under the Overpass
is a personal account of a man and his friend who intentionally become homeless for five months in order to better understand the realities of being
homeless.
45
Yankoski's book is a more direct and introspective exploration of the challenges of life on the streets.
46
He highlights the struggles that homeless individuals face, along with the lack of resources and support available to them.
Despite their different approaches, both authors illustrate the importance of dignity and empathy in discussions of homelessness. Arnade encourages the reader to see the humanity in those living on the margins of society, while Yankoski urges us not to turn a blind eye to the harsh realities of homelessness. 42
Creacom Matthew Notebooks.
Matthew 25: 40 Notebook: “The King Will Reply, ‘Truly I Tell You, Whatever You Did for One of the Least of These Brothers and Sisters of Mine, You Did for Me.’” Matthew 25:40 Notebook, Bible Verse Christian Journal/Diary Gift, Doodle Present
. Independently Published, 2019.
43
Arnade.
Dignity: Seeking Respect in Back Row America or Under the Overpass: A Journey of
Faith on the Streets of America
44
Ibid.
45
Yankoski, Mike.
Under the Overpass: A Journey of Faith on the Streets of America
.
46
Ibid.
10
At the heart of both books is a message of compassion and human kindness.
47
Another key difference between the two books is their tone. Arnade's writing is often contemplative and reflective, while Yankoski's is more immediate and emotional.
48
This difference in tone reflects the different aims of the two authors. Arnade seeks to provoke thought and reflection, inviting readers to think more deeply about the society in which we live. Yankoski, on the other hand, wants to engage readers emotionally, encouraging us to feel empathy for those who are homeless
and to take action to help them. Both tones are warranted and necessary for the betterment of God’s mission and have a powerful message attached to them that just relates differently to readers that better connect with the text and or contents.
49
Chapter 3: Conclusion
In brief, Dignity
by Chris Arnade and Under the Overpass
by Mike Yankoski provide contrasting but valuable perspectives on homelessness in America.
50
While Arnade seeks to show
the dignity and complexity of those living in poverty, Yankoski provides an intimate portrait of what it's like to be homeless. Both books encourage us to see the humanity in those who are often overlooked or marginalized and remind us of the importance of compassion and empathy in discussions of poverty and homelessness.
51
Knowing that we are here for God’s mission allows us to use the applications of dignity and fair treatment when handling others and applying this method to our daily lives will allow us to continue to serve in the manner we are called to by
God. 47
Arnade.
Dignity: Seeking Respect in Back Row America or Under the Overpass: A Journey of
Faith on the Streets of America
. And Yankoski, Mike.
Under the Overpass: A Journey of Faith
on the Streets of America
.
48
Ibid.
49
Ibid. 50
Ibid.
51
Ibid.
11
Overall, the scriptures used in the books offer insight, encouragement, and hope to readers who may be struggling with homelessness or other difficult situations.
52
Moreso, Yankoski's personal journey highlights the importance of compassion, action, and community as ways to navigate adversity and find deeper meaning in life.
53
Through his experiences, he reminds us that even in the midst of trials, we can find strength and purpose in putting our faith into action and loving those around us.
Bibliography
52
Henderson, Andrew. “Book Review: No Place like Home: Christians and the Scandal of
Homelessness.”
53
Yankoski.
Under the Overpass: A Journey of Faith on the Streets of America
.
12
Your preview ends here
Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version
- Access to all documents
- Unlimited textbook solutions
- 24/7 expert homework help
Arnade, Chris.
Dignity: Seeking Respect in Back Row America or Under the Overpass: A Journey of Faith on the Streets of America
. Cape Town, South Africa: Penguin Random House, 2019.
Chia, Philip Suciadi. “Analysis of the Effectiveness of Jesus’ Parable: A Cognitive Psychology Approach.”
Journal of research on christian education
29, no. 3 (2020): 272–284. http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/10656219.2020.1835593.
Creacom Matthew Notebooks.
Matthew 25: 40 Notebook: “The King Will Reply, ‘Truly I Tell You, Whatever You Did for One of the Least of These Brothers and Sisters of Mine, You Did for Me.’” Matthew 25:40 Notebook, Bible Verse Christian Journal/Diary Gift, Doodle Present
. Independently Published, 2019.
Henderson, Andrew. “Book Review: No Place like Home: Christians and the Scandal of Homelessness.”
Theology
93, no. 753 (1990): 249–250. http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/0040571x9009300331.
Jansson, Anton. “‘The Pure Teachings of Jesus’: On the Christian Language of Wilhelm Weitling’s Communism.”
Praktyka Teoretyczna
3, no. 29 (2019): 30–48. http://dx.doi.org/10.14746/prt.2018.3.2.
Joseph, Shini, and Ajith Kumar. “Sreenarayana Guru - Teachings, Caste, Religion and God.”
International Research Journal of Science and Technology
(2020): 319–322. http://dx.doi.org/10.46378/irjst.2020.020103.
World Publishing Company.
Holy Bible
. Iowa Falls, IA: World Bible, 2004.
Yankoski, Mike.
Under the Overpass: A Journey of Faith on the Streets of America
. Sisters, OR:
Multnomah Press, 2005.
13