The Bible and the 'Holy Poor'

From the Tanakh to Les Misérables

Nonfiction, Religion & Spirituality, Bible & Bible Studies, Study, Old Testament, History
Cover of the book The Bible and the 'Holy Poor' by David Aberbach, Taylor and Francis
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: David Aberbach ISBN: 9781351369800
Publisher: Taylor and Francis Publication: October 16, 2017
Imprint: Routledge Language: English
Author: David Aberbach
ISBN: 9781351369800
Publisher: Taylor and Francis
Publication: October 16, 2017
Imprint: Routledge
Language: English

The Hebrew Bible is the main legislative and literary influence on European Poor Law and on literature on poverty and the poor. No extant literature from the ancient world placed more importance upon social welfare and the duty of the better-off toward the poor. It is the founding text for liberation movements.

This book assesses why the Bible is so unambiguously positive in its view of the poor, unlike most later literary and legislative works. It seeks to understand what historical circumstances brought about this elevated perception of the poor, by exploring the clash of ideals and realities in the depiction of the poor in the Hebrew Bible and in European culture. Most legal and literary portrayals of the poor tend to be critical, associating the poor with laziness, crime or fraud: why is this not the case in the Bible? Most societies have tended to accept poverty as a natural condition, but not the Bible. The idea of ending poverty starts in the Bible – the Psalms above all inspired a daily struggle to limit the gap between rich and poor. Much of the Bible sees life - most unusually in the history of civilizations - through the eyes of the poor. The book argues that the popular appeal of the Bible in largely impoverished societies lies in its persistent relevance to, and support of, the poor. Yet, in many ways, biblical teachings were incompatible with social and political circumstances centuries and millennia later.

Written in a clear, accessible style, the book shows how the Hebrew Bible, in its legislation and impassioned prophetic poetry, inspired the battle to 'make poverty history', to give dignity and hope to the poor and fight inequality. It will appeal to students and scholars of Jewish Studies, the Bible and Comparative Literature, and Development Studies.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

The Hebrew Bible is the main legislative and literary influence on European Poor Law and on literature on poverty and the poor. No extant literature from the ancient world placed more importance upon social welfare and the duty of the better-off toward the poor. It is the founding text for liberation movements.

This book assesses why the Bible is so unambiguously positive in its view of the poor, unlike most later literary and legislative works. It seeks to understand what historical circumstances brought about this elevated perception of the poor, by exploring the clash of ideals and realities in the depiction of the poor in the Hebrew Bible and in European culture. Most legal and literary portrayals of the poor tend to be critical, associating the poor with laziness, crime or fraud: why is this not the case in the Bible? Most societies have tended to accept poverty as a natural condition, but not the Bible. The idea of ending poverty starts in the Bible – the Psalms above all inspired a daily struggle to limit the gap between rich and poor. Much of the Bible sees life - most unusually in the history of civilizations - through the eyes of the poor. The book argues that the popular appeal of the Bible in largely impoverished societies lies in its persistent relevance to, and support of, the poor. Yet, in many ways, biblical teachings were incompatible with social and political circumstances centuries and millennia later.

Written in a clear, accessible style, the book shows how the Hebrew Bible, in its legislation and impassioned prophetic poetry, inspired the battle to 'make poverty history', to give dignity and hope to the poor and fight inequality. It will appeal to students and scholars of Jewish Studies, the Bible and Comparative Literature, and Development Studies.

More books from Taylor and Francis

Cover of the book Money for Good Grades and Other Myths About Motivating Kids by David Aberbach
Cover of the book Everyday State and Politics in India by David Aberbach
Cover of the book Theology as an Empirical Science by David Aberbach
Cover of the book North American Border Conflicts by David Aberbach
Cover of the book Manager's Guide to Excellence in Public Relations and Communication Management by David Aberbach
Cover of the book Local Power and Post-Soviet Politics by David Aberbach
Cover of the book Space, Time and Evaluation in Ideological Discourse by David Aberbach
Cover of the book Trade Negotiations In The Oecd by David Aberbach
Cover of the book India in South Asia by David Aberbach
Cover of the book Mightier than the Sword by David Aberbach
Cover of the book Ukraine in Crisis by David Aberbach
Cover of the book Bridging Cultures in Early Care and Education by David Aberbach
Cover of the book The Reason of Schooling by David Aberbach
Cover of the book Strategic Supply Chain Alignment by David Aberbach
Cover of the book Northeastern India and Its Neighbours by David Aberbach
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy