Christian Compassion
A Charitable History
- History & Biography
- Publisher: Wipf and Stock
- Published: 2021
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Publisher's Description
Although not always unswervingly, from antiquity until today, Christians have engaged in charity. As settings changed, compassion evolved, laying in place an ongoing mosaic of Christian ideas and institutions surrounding care. From the antique and medieval to the modern and contemporary, each age offers unique actors and insights into how compassion is viewed and achieved. We consider repeating motifs and novel appearances in the arc of Christian compassion which enlighten and inspire. Encountered on the journey are the formation and sacrifice of ancient Christians; an emphasis on virtues taught through sparing and sharing; the nascent social welfare of the Byzantine church; the sacralization and mobilization of a medieval church; innovative ideas from reformers who advance the role of the state; and modern movements in justice, peace, humanitarianism, mutual aid, and community development.
Endorsements (4)
“An expansive, clear-eyed, genre-bending account of the beautiful and costly--but sometimes paternalistic--work of Christian compassion. Ranging from first-century almsgiving to twenty-first-century fair trade, this remarkable book is a must-read for theologians, practitioners, and observers of those who have sought to care for 'the least of these.'”
“In a world that is prone to either romanticism (sentimentality) or rationality (cold calculus), Lynn's Christian Compassion reminds us of the profound theological contributions of compassion throughout Christian history. The virtue of Christian compassion, 'to suffer with' the poor and with the Crucified Christ, purifies our faith to become witnesses of the gospel.”
“This timely work should be read by all who wish to play their part in the unfolding drama. In Christian Compassion, Monty Lynn reminds us that compassion is more than an idea, an emotion, an experience, or even an action. It is the continuing tale of care, empathy, experience, love, and transformation of the people of God.”
“In this sweeping history, Monty Lynn ably introduces readers to leading lights and some lesser-known figures who have contributed to our understanding of compassion within the Christian tradition. More than a history, Lynn here presents compassion as a way of life that emerges from gratitude and leads to conversion and a deepening of vocation. Indeed, this book extends an invitation to undertake compassion as personal and communitarian practice in pursuit of the common good.”
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