Harbor for the Poor: A Missiological Analysis of Almsgiving in the View and Practice of John Chrysostom

Description: Urban poverty in the developed world is an ever-present problem and Christian approaches to poverty throughout history have much to teach us. The practice of almsgiving which is the consistent practice of giving and sharing resources to meet the needs of the poor is a sadly neglected part of this Christian heritage. This book explores the Christian lifestyle of almsgiving through the study of John Chrysostom. The sermons and writings of John Chrysostom (c.347-407 CE) pastor in Antioch and archbishop of Constantinople contain perhaps the greatest concentration of teaching on almsgiving in all of Christian literature. Johns teaching on almsgiving was both biblical and practical and his ministry helped strengthen care for the poor throughout the Roman Empire of late antiquity. John preached his sermons to congregations filled with people who lived very comfortable lives. From his perspective the churches of Antioch and Constantinople had grown complacent regarding poverty when in fact God had called them to become a harbor for the poor. Endorsements: Eric Costanzo presents a significantly new analysis of John Chrysostoms teachings on and approach to almsgiving an aspect central to his theology. While new research on John Chrysostom and poverty has appeared in recent years this is the first study focused specifically on almsgiving to appear since the brief and somewhat peculiar study published by Otto Plassmann. --From the Foreword by Wendy Mayer Rich in both biblical and patristic reflection this book is a call for evangelicals to reclaim the ancient Christian practice of almsgiving. The word sounds quaint these days but Eric Costanzo challenges us to learn again a pattern of life and love that is central to following Jesus Christ. This is a book that admonishes as well as informs. --Timothy George Founding Dean of Beeson Divinity School Costanzo and Chrysostom remind us the poor are not our enemy. Instead the poor are the agents through which we have the opportunity to embrace Christs command to love the least of these. John Chrysostoms words echo through history and Costanzo has amplified them for the modern ear. --Deron Spoo Pastor of First Baptist Church Tulsa Oklahoma Harbor for the Poor highlights the missional character of almsgiving in John Chrysostoms writings with theological sensitivity ecclesial vision and pastoral spirit. --Helen Rhee Associate Professor of Religious Studies at Westmont College About the Contributor(s): Eric Costanzo PhD is an evangelical minister and professor from Tulsa Oklahoma. Along with teaching he directs a ministry to the homeless and under-resourced throughout the city.