The Christianisation of Philanthropy in Ioannes Chrysostomos
The Christianisation of Philanthropy in Ioannes Chrysostomos

Summary/Abstract: This study presents the manner in which St. John Chrysostom turned the pagan concept of euergesia into a Christian virtue. In paganism euergetes bestowed their favours on clients from the upper classes in order to maintain their reputation and to capitalize political approval. St. John transfers the classical thought patterns into a transcendent and eschatological framework. Charity thus becomes a means to achieving true respect, freedom from burdensome sins and ultimately perfection. Chrysostom is convinced that human beings receive the power of creation from God in order to make more out of the earth than just a materially conceivable world, namely heaven on earth. For the great Church Father, the place where such a metamorphosis is already happening is paradigmatically the Church.

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