Rich and poor in Christian tradition

Abstract

This is a book of translations of writings by Christian authors, spanning from the 4th century to the 20th century, on the Christian attitudes towards riches and poverty. The selected passages from these writers show that the Church has traditionally held riches to be good in themselves, but that they are nonetheless perilous for the soul due to the dangers of pride and covetousness. The Church also teaches that poverty is not a bad thing in itself, but is a good preparation for a virtuous life and a necessary foundation for a life of charity, and that it is the status of Christ on Earth. A life of poverty is commanded for some Christians as a counsel of perfection, and the Church also holds the rich to be the servants of the poor, who have a right to a just wage, freedom to choose their work, and private property. The Church condemns destitution, oppression of the poor, and any form of dishonest wealth-getting. – AI-generated abstract.