|
By Leslie J. Hoppe
A careful and comprehensive but not overly technical study of the biblical portrait of the poor and poverty. Hoppe introduces the study with the socioeconomic structures of ancient Israel and Roman Palestine, then proceeds systematically to examine the biblical evidence, including that of the Old Testament, New Testament, Apocrypha, and rabbinic literature. Also discusses the Bible's portrayal of poverty--poverty as a curse, poverty as a blessing, material poverty, and "poverty of the spirit." Hoppe suggests that just as poverty is not idealized in the Bible, so the poor should be a priority of every community of faith. Ancient Israel, early Judaism, Jesus, and the first Christians did not forget the poor, and if believers today wish to be faithful to their biblical heritage, neither can they. This book provides a practical background for scholars and is a primer for a significant theological motif.
THERE SHALL BE NO POOR AMONG YOU
Poverty in the Bible
by Leslie J. Hoppe
|
|
