Do Good Unto All: Charity and Poor Relief Across Christian Europe, 1400-1800

This book explores how early modern Europeans responded to the Bible's reminder that the poor are "always among us" by examining the concept and practice of charity across four major Christian confessions and a wide range of geographical areas. It highlights the many intersections and tensions that arose between and within communities as they attempted to translate the ideal of charity into practice.

Format: Hardback
Length: 272 pages
Publication date: 18 July 2023
Publisher: Manchester University Press

For nearly two millennia, Christians have grappled with the profound truth conveyed by the Bible's reminder that the poor are an enduring presence within our society. In response to this biblical mandate, this volume delves into the rich tapestry of ideas, institutions, and experiences that early modern Europeans brought to bear in their efforts to comprehend and address this societal reality.

Do good unto all: Tracing the Concept and Practice of Charity Across Early Modern Christian Confessions and Geographical Areas explores the multifaceted concept and practice of charity across four major early modern Christian confessions: Catholic, Lutheran, Calvinist, and Anabaptist. Spanning a vast geographical range, from Scotland to Switzerland and the Spanish Atlantic World, this volume brings together a diverse array of localized studies, offering a comprehensive examination of the many intersections and tensions that emerged within communities as they endeavored to translate the ideal of charity into practical action.

By adopting a comparative approach, this volume shifts the focus away from simplistic binaries such as "deserving and "undeserving poor" or "Catholic and "Protestant." Instead, it charts a new course for the study of charity, expanding its scope beyond institutional poor relief to encompass the rich matrix of individual ideas and experiences that shaped people's attitudes and actions toward the less fortunate.

Through its comprehensive exploration, Do good unto all sheds light on the complex and multifaceted nature of charity in early modern Europe, highlighting the ways in which it evolved, intersected with other social and cultural factors, and influenced the lives of individuals and communities. This volume serves as a valuable resource for scholars, students, and anyone interested in exploring the rich history and enduring significance of charity in the world of early modern Christianity.

Weight: 568g
Dimension: 241 x 165 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781526162472