This work explores the theological and social dimensions of generosity in the book of Sirach and contextualizes them within the culture and thought of Second Temple Judaism. Ben Sira’s understanding of generosity is predicated on the tension between affirming the classic wisdom principle of retributive justice and recognizing its breakdown in the socio-economic circumstances of Seleucid Judea. He forges a new Wisdom-Torah ethic of mercy in which giving generously is an integral part of living “the good life”. While loans and surety are essential practices, almsgiving is the preeminent act of generosity. The fundamental theological logic at work consists in viewing the poor as proxies for God and is based on the economic structure of Proverbs 19:17. Giving to the poor is, in reality, a deposit in a heavenly treasury and will pay future dividends. By situating Ben Sira’s view of almsgiving within the wider framework of retributive justice and its breakdown, new light is shed on the practical tensions regarding the extent of almsgiving and its relationship to the support of the Jerusalem priesthood. The various dynamics of Ben Sira’s thought on generosity are situated within the broader Hellenistic world and in their foundational role for later Jewish and Christian thought.
This work explores the theological and social dimensions of generosity in the book of Sirach and contextualizes them within the culture and thought of Second Temple Judaism. Ben Sira's understanding of generosity is predicated on the tension between affirming the classic wisdom principle of retributive justice and recognizing its breakdown in the socio-economic circumstances of Seleucid Judea. He forges a new Wisdom-Torah ethic of mercy in which giving generously is an integral part of living "the good life". While loans and surety are essential practices, almsgiving is the preeminent act of generosity. The fundamental theological logic at work consists in viewing the poor as proxies for God and is based on the economic structure of Proverbs 19:17. Giving to the poor is, in reality, a deposit in a heavenly treasury and will pay future dividends. By situating Ben Sira's view of almsgiving within the wider framework of retributive justice and its breakdown, new light is shed on the practical tensions regarding the extent of almsgiving and its relationship to the support of the Jerusalem priesthood. The various dynamics of Ben Sira's thought on generosity are situated within the broader Hellenistic world and in their foundational role for later Jewish and Christian thought.
The perfect tutorial for C programmers wanting to take their skills to the next level! Designed to be the follow-up tutorial to the successful Teach Yourself C in 21 Days.-- Uses lots of visual elements such as shaded syntax boxes, notes boxes, and line-by-line descriptions of the program examples-- Introduces carefully planned series of lessons, quizzes, exercises, and workshops to motivate and reinforce learning
The fifteen Psalms of Ascents (Psalms 120–134) are an important collection within the Psalms that focuses on the journey towards the presence of God, a God who is at once the “maker of heaven and earth” but also encountered in a particular place and among a particular people. This book explores their rich imagery to show how they nourish a hopeful search for God’s presence in a world that includes crises and hostility, not only in the world but tragically also within the people of God. The Psalms of Ascents are a summons to a spirituality for priest and people, the powerful and the marginalized, for anyone suspended between struggle and hope on the journey towards God. While this book gives readers a focused discussion on the theology and spirituality of these psalms, it also explores their role in the whole canon of Christian Scripture. As such, the book provides a resource for studying, teaching, and preaching these fifteen Psalms, but can also serve as an entryway into the rest of the book of Psalms.
This pioneering work sets forth an integrative model for understanding the development of psychopathology. What makes a person vulnerable to mental illness in general? To specific clinical syndromes? Why are some individuals highly prone to emotional distress? Seeking a deeper understanding of these compelling questions, the volume highlights the central role of affect regulation--or the failure to develop functional strategies for regulating affect--in a wide range of disorders. An extensive body of psychological and neurobiological knowledge is synthesized to illuminate the processes by which this key capacity may be undermined in the developing child. Bridging the gap between biological and psychodynamic perspectives on psychopathology, the book has important implications for research, prevention, and treatment.
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