Towards a Miraculous Economy: Christian Gifts and Material "Blessings" in Late Antiquity
This study explores the origin, use, and idealization of gifts called "blessings" and their role in the church and monastic economies of late antiquity. Inspired by Paul's definition of a donation in 2 Cor 9.5-12, a "blessing" designated any gift considered to be a product o...
| Published in: | Journal of early Christian studies |
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| Main Author: | |
| Format: | Electronic Article |
| Language: | English |
| Check availability: | HBZ Gateway |
| Journals Online & Print: | Drawer...
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| Fernleihe: | Fernleihe für die Fachinformationsdienste |
| Published: |
Johns Hopkins Univ. Press
2006
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| In: |
Journal of early Christian studies
Year: 2006, Volume: 14, Issue: 3, Pages: 329-377 |
| Online Access: |
Volltext (lizenzpflichtig) Volltext (lizenzpflichtig) |
| Parallel Edition: | Non-electronic
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| Summary: | This study explores the origin, use, and idealization of gifts called "blessings" and their role in the church and monastic economies of late antiquity. Inspired by Paul's definition of a donation in 2 Cor 9.5-12, a "blessing" designated any gift considered to be a product of God's bounty, that made no demand on its receiver, that was used to support holy people, or conferred holiness when given. Conceptually distinct from alms, "blessings" gained further definition by contrast to secular gifts given for self-promotion and advancement. They therefore provided the basis for a religious economy that supported Christian professionals, while implying charitable responsibilities. |
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| ISSN: | 1086-3184 |
| Contains: | Enthalten in: Journal of early Christian studies
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| Persistent identifiers: | DOI: 10.1353/earl.2006.0048 |