Richard Finn OP
- Published in print:
- 2006
- Published Online:
- September 2007
- ISBN:
- 9780199283606
- eISBN:
- 9780191712692
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199283606.001.0001
- Subject:
- Classical Studies, European History: BCE to 500CE
The book examines the various sources, distinctive forms, privileged recipients, and likely extent of almsgiving in the churches of the later empire. Almsgiving was crucial in the construction of the ...
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The book examines the various sources, distinctive forms, privileged recipients, and likely extent of almsgiving in the churches of the later empire. Almsgiving was crucial in the construction of the bishop's authority, but was also a cooperative task involving clerics and laity in which honour was shared and which exposed the bishop to criticism. Almsgiving by monks belongs in the context of self-dispossession and attracted further alms for distribution to the destitute, but proved controversial not least because of the potential for competition with bishops. Lay people were encouraged to give, at set times and in particular places, both through the Church's agency and directly to the poor. These practices gained meaning from the promotion of almsgiving in many forms, of which preaching was the most important. It involved redescription of the poor and the incorporation of almsgiving within the virtues of generosity and justice. So cast, Christian almsgiving differed from pagan almsgiving as an honourable benefaction typical of leadership. This distinctive pattern of thought and conduct existed alongside an older classical pattern of benefaction, and the interaction between them generated controversy over the conduct of bishops and consecrated virgins. The co-inherence of co-operation and competition in Christian almsgiving, together with the continued existence of traditional euergetism, meant, however, that Christian alms did not, as is sometimes thought, turn bishops into the megapatrons of their cities.Less
The book examines the various sources, distinctive forms, privileged recipients, and likely extent of almsgiving in the churches of the later empire. Almsgiving was crucial in the construction of the bishop's authority, but was also a cooperative task involving clerics and laity in which honour was shared and which exposed the bishop to criticism. Almsgiving by monks belongs in the context of self-dispossession and attracted further alms for distribution to the destitute, but proved controversial not least because of the potential for competition with bishops. Lay people were encouraged to give, at set times and in particular places, both through the Church's agency and directly to the poor. These practices gained meaning from the promotion of almsgiving in many forms, of which preaching was the most important. It involved redescription of the poor and the incorporation of almsgiving within the virtues of generosity and justice. So cast, Christian almsgiving differed from pagan almsgiving as an honourable benefaction typical of leadership. This distinctive pattern of thought and conduct existed alongside an older classical pattern of benefaction, and the interaction between them generated controversy over the conduct of bishops and consecrated virgins. The co-inherence of co-operation and competition in Christian almsgiving, together with the continued existence of traditional euergetism, meant, however, that Christian alms did not, as is sometimes thought, turn bishops into the megapatrons of their cities.
Roger Stone and Claudia D'Andrea
- Published in print:
- 2002
- Published Online:
- May 2012
- ISBN:
- 9780520217997
- eISBN:
- 9780520936072
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- University of California Press
- DOI:
- 10.1525/california/9780520217997.001.0001
- Subject:
- Anthropology, Anthropology, Global
Tropical forests are vanishing at an alarming rate. This book, based on extensive international field research, highlights one solution for preserving this precious resource: empowering local people ...
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Tropical forests are vanishing at an alarming rate. This book, based on extensive international field research, highlights one solution for preserving this precious resource: empowering local people who depend on the forest for survival. Synthesizing a vast amount of information, it provides a tour of global efforts to empower community-based forest stewards. Along the way, the book shows the fundamental importance of tropical forest ecosystems and deepens our sense of urgency to save them for the benefit of billions of rural people in tropical and subtropical regions, as well as for countless species of plants and animals. In their travels to research this book, the authors saw many remarkable examples of how proficient even the poorest local people can be in stabilizing and recovering formerly destitute forests. With case studies from Thailand's Golden Triangle to Mindanao in the Philippines, from Indonesia, India, and Africa to Brazil, Mexico, and Central America, they introduce us to the communities and the individuals, the governments, the loggers, the agencies, and the local groups who vie for forest resources. Contrasting community-based efforts and traditional forest management with government and donor efforts, the authors discuss the many reasons why international institutions and national governments have been unable and unwilling to stem the accelerating loss of tropical forestland. The book argues that we are paying a terrible price—politically, economically, and environmentally—for allowing tropical forests to be stripped.Less
Tropical forests are vanishing at an alarming rate. This book, based on extensive international field research, highlights one solution for preserving this precious resource: empowering local people who depend on the forest for survival. Synthesizing a vast amount of information, it provides a tour of global efforts to empower community-based forest stewards. Along the way, the book shows the fundamental importance of tropical forest ecosystems and deepens our sense of urgency to save them for the benefit of billions of rural people in tropical and subtropical regions, as well as for countless species of plants and animals. In their travels to research this book, the authors saw many remarkable examples of how proficient even the poorest local people can be in stabilizing and recovering formerly destitute forests. With case studies from Thailand's Golden Triangle to Mindanao in the Philippines, from Indonesia, India, and Africa to Brazil, Mexico, and Central America, they introduce us to the communities and the individuals, the governments, the loggers, the agencies, and the local groups who vie for forest resources. Contrasting community-based efforts and traditional forest management with government and donor efforts, the authors discuss the many reasons why international institutions and national governments have been unable and unwilling to stem the accelerating loss of tropical forestland. The book argues that we are paying a terrible price—politically, economically, and environmentally—for allowing tropical forests to be stripped.
Patricia Lim
- Published in print:
- 2011
- Published Online:
- September 2011
- ISBN:
- 9789622099906
- eISBN:
- 9789882207714
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Hong Kong University Press
- DOI:
- 10.5790/hongkong/9789622099906.003.0020
- Subject:
- Society and Culture, Asian Studies
This chapter discusses the different changes that were taking place outside the government. These changes affected the professionals, the destitute Europeans, the army, women, and children, to name a ...
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This chapter discusses the different changes that were taking place outside the government. These changes affected the professionals, the destitute Europeans, the army, women, and children, to name a few groups. These changes were for the better, except as far as they affected the seamen and destitute Europeans.Less
This chapter discusses the different changes that were taking place outside the government. These changes affected the professionals, the destitute Europeans, the army, women, and children, to name a few groups. These changes were for the better, except as far as they affected the seamen and destitute Europeans.
Salim Tamari
- Published in print:
- 2017
- Published Online:
- May 2018
- ISBN:
- 9780520291256
- eISBN:
- 9780520965102
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- University of California Press
- DOI:
- 10.1525/california/9780520291256.003.0007
- Subject:
- History, Middle East History
This chapter demonstrates how at the turn of the century, the use of family endowments and benevolent associations created the earliest forms of independent women's groups. It studies the notebook of ...
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This chapter demonstrates how at the turn of the century, the use of family endowments and benevolent associations created the earliest forms of independent women's groups. It studies the notebook of Adele Azar in light of Halide Edip's educational work in Syria and Mount Lebanon during the war. The main focus of these projects, in Azar's case, was the teaching of destitute girls and their preparation for public employment. Azar's notebook shows that charity and pious foundations not only were not opposed to the evolution of a more substantial independent women's movement, but also were often the very foundation from which these movements emerged.Less
This chapter demonstrates how at the turn of the century, the use of family endowments and benevolent associations created the earliest forms of independent women's groups. It studies the notebook of Adele Azar in light of Halide Edip's educational work in Syria and Mount Lebanon during the war. The main focus of these projects, in Azar's case, was the teaching of destitute girls and their preparation for public employment. Azar's notebook shows that charity and pious foundations not only were not opposed to the evolution of a more substantial independent women's movement, but also were often the very foundation from which these movements emerged.
W. V. Harris
- Published in print:
- 2011
- Published Online:
- March 2015
- ISBN:
- 9780199595167
- eISBN:
- 9780191804564
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:osobl/9780199595167.003.0003
- Subject:
- History, Ancient History / Archaeology
This chapter examines poverty in the Roman world. After some essential scene-setting (Italy contrasted with the provinces, towns contrasted with the countryside), it discusses subsistence needs and ...
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This chapter examines poverty in the Roman world. After some essential scene-setting (Italy contrasted with the provinces, towns contrasted with the countryside), it discusses subsistence needs and then argues that both the nature of the labour market and inheritance patterns make it likely that the Roman provinces suffered from a serious level of endemic destitution. The evidence on child abandonment supports the view that the direness and horror of Roman destitution has generally been underestimated. Finally, it is argued that no counter-measures significantly diminished the impact of Roman destitution prior to the advent of mass Christianity.Less
This chapter examines poverty in the Roman world. After some essential scene-setting (Italy contrasted with the provinces, towns contrasted with the countryside), it discusses subsistence needs and then argues that both the nature of the labour market and inheritance patterns make it likely that the Roman provinces suffered from a serious level of endemic destitution. The evidence on child abandonment supports the view that the direness and horror of Roman destitution has generally been underestimated. Finally, it is argued that no counter-measures significantly diminished the impact of Roman destitution prior to the advent of mass Christianity.
