Euergetism - (Uar-jet-ism) - What We Should Know

[Michael37]

The term euergetism comes from the Greek word εὐεργετέω (euergetéō), which means "to do good deeds"¹. It was coined in 1923 by the French historian André Boulanger².

Euergetism refers to the ancient practice where high-status and wealthy individuals distributed part of their wealth to the community, often through public buildings, festivals, or other forms of benefaction³.

This practice was particularly prominent in Greco-Roman societies and played a significant role in the social and political dynamics of the time⁴³. It was a way for elites to gain prestige and influence while contributing to the development and stability of their communities⁴.

Euergetism, the ancient practice of wealthy individuals distributing part of their wealth to the community, has interesting parallels and contrasts with modern Christian practices of charity and giving.

Euergetism in Ancient Times

In ancient Greek and Roman societies, euergetism was a way for elites to gain prestige and influence by funding public works, festivals, and other community benefits¹. This practice was often transactional, with benefactors receiving public honors and recognition in return¹.

Transition to Christian Charity

As Christianity spread, the concept of giving evolved. Christian charity emphasized helping the poor and needy as an act of love and obedience to God, rather than for personal glory². This shift can be seen in the transition from classical euergetism to Christian charity in late antique Rome².

Modern Christian Giving

In modern Christianity, the principles of giving are deeply rooted in biblical teachings. Christians are encouraged to give generously, not for personal gain, but to honor God and help others. This is reflected in various forms of giving, such as tithes, offerings, and charitable donations².

Key Differences

• Motivation: Euergetism was often motivated by the desire for public recognition, while Christian giving is motivated by love, obedience to God, and compassion for others².
• Recipients: Euergetism typically benefited the community as a whole, while Christian charity often focuses on helping the poor and marginalized².
• Recognition: Euergetism involved public honors and inscriptions, whereas Christian giving is often done privately, following Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 6:3-4 to give in secret².

Continuing Influence

Despite these differences, the legacy of euergetism can still be seen in modern philanthropy, where wealthy individuals and organizations contribute to public projects and charitable causes. The key distinction lies in the underlying motivations and values driving these acts of generosity.

Quite a deep subject, I thought . . .

[missmuffet]

2 hours ago, Michael37 said:

The term euergetism comes from the Greek word εὐεργετέω (euergetéō), which means "to do good deeds"¹. It was coined in 1923 by the French historian André Boulanger².

Euergetism refers to the ancient practice where high-status and wealthy individuals distributed part of their wealth to the community, often through public buildings, festivals, or other forms of benefaction³.

This practice was particularly prominent in Greco-Roman societies and played a significant role in the social and political dynamics of the time⁴³. It was a way for elites to gain prestige and influence while contributing to the development and stability of their communities⁴.

Euergetism, the ancient practice of wealthy individuals distributing part of their wealth to the community, has interesting parallels and contrasts with modern Christian practices of charity and giving.

Euergetism in Ancient Times

In ancient Greek and Roman societies, euergetism was a way for elites to gain prestige and influence by funding public works, festivals, and other community benefits¹. This practice was often transactional, with benefactors receiving public honors and recognition in return¹.

Transition to Christian Charity

As Christianity spread, the concept of giving evolved. Christian charity emphasized helping the poor and needy as an act of love and obedience to God, rather than for personal glory². This shift can be seen in the transition from classical euergetism to Christian charity in late antique Rome².

Modern Christian Giving

In modern Christianity, the principles of giving are deeply rooted in biblical teachings. Christians are encouraged to give generously, not for personal gain, but to honor God and help others. This is reflected in various forms of giving, such as tithes, offerings, and charitable donations².

Key Differences

• Motivation: Euergetism was often motivated by the desire for public recognition, while Christian giving is motivated by love, obedience to God, and compassion for others².
• Recipients: Euergetism typically benefited the community as a whole, while Christian charity often focuses on helping the poor and marginalized².
• Recognition: Euergetism involved public honors and inscriptions, whereas Christian giving is often done privately, following Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 6:3-4 to give in secret².

Continuing Influence

Despite these differences, the legacy of euergetism can still be seen in modern philanthropy, where wealthy individuals and organizations contribute to public projects and charitable causes. The key distinction lies in the underlying motivations and values driving these acts of generosity.

Quite a deep subject, I thought . . .

It is unfortunate that most who have this amount of money hold on to it. I am sure that some of those who are wealthy are generous and contribute.That may benefit them for taxes. But with being wealthy comes greed.

[Sower]

4 hours ago, missmuffet said:

But with being wealthy comes greed.

Being wealthy does not necessitate greed.
Being poor does not eliminate greed or being stingy, or jealousy and covetousness.

6 hours ago, Michael37 said:

Quite a deep subject, I thought . . .

And difficult to discuss without being misunderstood. Never heard the term Euergetism, but I do now.

This I know. You can not out give God. Passing on His blessings, whatever form, endorses/blesses the source of all giving, God.
It is a desirable thing to be used by God to bless and be blessed in passing it on. An unbroken circle to God's Glory.
Give it away, and doing so, you store up your riches in heaven.  (selfish or wise)

It is difficult often not to be seen/known when helping others in order to honor God.
My thought is to not worry so much about future reward but help the present need.

Good one Michael..

[missmuffet]

51 minutes ago, Sower said:

Being wealthy does not necessitate greed.
Being poor does not eliminate greed or being stingy, or jealousy and covetousness.

And difficult to discuss without being misunderstood. Never heard the term Euergetism, but I do now.

This I know. You can not out give God. Passing on His blessings, whatever form, endorses/blesses the source of all giving, God.
It is a desirable thing to be used by God to bless and be blessed in passing it on. An unbroken circle to God's Glory.
Give it away, and doing so, you store up your riches in heaven.  (selfish or wise)

It is difficult often not to be seen/known when helping others in order to honor God.
My thought is to not worry so much about future reward but help the present need.

Good one Michael..

It all depends on the beholder of the wealth and their heart because generosity comes from the heart.

I was once at a grocery store and a man I had never met before went before me and was paying for his groceries. When I went up to pay for my groceries the clerk said " The man before you paid for your groceries". I had $65.00 worth of groceries.

I have known people who were wealthy and would not give you 5 cents.

 

[enoob57]

A wise man is one who is able to transfer that which is of no value to God into that which has not only value but keeping for all eternity... 'The Love of God upon the heart'
2 Corinthians 9:7 (KJV)

[7] Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.

thus why they are cheerful is the circle of completeness... wanna be loved of God then
 

John 14:21 (KJV)

[21] He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.

It is a sure thing...

[D. Adrien]

Having wealth as a Christian can be a snare or a blessing. Being tested with wealth can be problematic for the recipient just as being tested by the beauty of a woman by a male Christian. Both temptations can lead to a major stumbling or outright falling away.

[BornAgain490]

God loves a cheerful giver. 2 Corinth. 9:7. 

[BibleStudent100]

11 hours ago, Michael37 said:

Despite these differences, the legacy of euergetism can still be seen in modern philanthropy, where wealthy individuals and organizations contribute to public projects and charitable causes.

Hi Michael,

I live in a wealthy area and benefactors donate to our local colleges, hospitals and to our local concert houses, PROVIDED their names are splashed onto the buildings.  One wonders the intent of their donations.  Plus, you factor in the huge tax deduction and you question how much of a sacrifice they are doing for the community or for personal agrandizement.

And of course, we all remember these verses:  “Take care not to practice your righteousness in front of men to be noticed by them; otherwise you will have no reward with your Father who is in the heavens. 2 So when you make gifts of mercy, do not blow a trumpet ahead of you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, so that they may be glorified by men. Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full. 3 But you, when making gifts of mercy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, 4 so that your gifts of mercy may be in secret. Then your Father who looks on in secret will repay you (Matthew 6:1-4).

[Michael37]

Just now, BornAgain490 said:

God loves a cheerful giver. 2 Corinth. 9:7. 

Here's another verse that goes with the one on being cheerful about giving.

 Heb 10:34  For you both sympathized with my bonds and took joyfully the spoiling of your goods, knowing in yourselves that you have in Heaven a better and an enduring substance.

[Michael37]

4 minutes ago, BibleStudent100 said:

Hi Michael,

I live in a wealthy area and benefactors donate to our local colleges, hospitals and to our local concert houses, PROVIDED their names are splashed onto the buildings.  One wonders the intent of their donations.  Plus, you factor in the huge tax deduction and you question how much of a sacrifice they are doing for the community or for personal agrandizement.

And of course, we all remember these verses:  “Take care not to practice your righteousness in front of men to be noticed by them; otherwise you will have no reward with your Father who is in the heavens. 2 So when you make gifts of mercy, do not blow a trumpet ahead of you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, so that they may be glorified by men. Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full. 3 But you, when making gifts of mercy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, 4 so that your gifts of mercy may be in secret. Then your Father who looks on in secret will repay you (Matthew 6:1-4).

Yes, there is some history to the topic, specifically as to whether a benefactor has rights as a result of their generosity, and whether communities have rights that require the wealthy to alleviate their financial constraints.

Here's another verse on Christian Stewardship:

1Jn 3:17  But whoever has this world's goods and sees his brother having need, and shuts up his bowels from him, how does the love of God dwell in him?