A 2009 paper from the National Bureau of Economic Research says that the number of people in the world living on less than $1 per day fell from 403 million in 1970 to 152 million in 2006.

An analysis from the American Enterprise Institute says the biggest factor was the rise of the middle class in China and India, at a time when the world’s population grew by 3 billion. Is capitalism a greater asset than liability in the fight against poverty? Must capitalism be moderated by virtue and morality before a Christian can embrace it?

In this lecture, Rudy Carrasco points out the causes of poverty and how they should be adressed by Christians. Carrasco has served nearly two decades in urban ministries that expect great things of at-risk and gang-impacted young people. He is an associate director at Partners Worldwide, a lecturer for the Acton Institute for Religion and Liberty, a member of the Hispanic Scholarship Fund’s Alumni Hall of Fame, and serves on the board of directors of World Vision U.S.

Click here to watch the video.