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

[Michael37]

1 hour ago, Neighbor said:

A term coined in 1923,- was it used to apply to Biblical events or principles of giving or sharing or of doing good deeds?

Good question. I didn't want to make the OP too lengthy by explaining the Greek and Roman equivalents of the European "noblisse oblige" which is still observed through the maxim that "privilege entails responsibility", so I am pleased to include it here:  

Liturgy (ancient Greece) - Wikipedia

The liturgy (Greek: λειτουργία or λῃτουργία, leitourgia, from λαός / Laos, "the people" and the root ἔργο / ergon, "work" ^[1]) was in ancient Greece a public service established by the city-state whereby its richest members (whether citizens or resident aliens), more or less voluntarily, financed the State with their personal wealth.^[2] It took its legitimacy from the idea that "personal wealth is possessed only through delegation from the city".^[3] The liturgical system dates back to the early days of Athenian democracy, and included the constitutional duty of trierarchy, which gradually fell into disuse by the end of the 4th century BC,^[4] eclipsed by the development of euergetism in the Hellenistic period. However, a similar system was in force during the Roman empire.

Noblesse oblige - Wikipedia

La noblesse oblige (/noʊˌblɛs əˈbliːʒ/; French: [la nɔblɛs ɔbliʒ] ^ⓘ; literally "nobility obliges") is a French expression that means that nobility extends beyond mere entitlement, requiring people who hold such status to fulfill social responsibilities; the term retains the same meaning in English. For example, a primary obligation of a nobleman could include generosity towards those around him. As those who lived on the nobles' land had obligations to the nobility, the nobility had obligations to their people, including protection at the least.^[1]

[Neighbor]

Slightly  off the mark regarding the term Euergetism is the idea of "Euergivism" A word I just coined. What motivates giving may not be so important as the results of the giving. The giving may be by decree and by obligation as well as by means to do so. The greater demand to be giving  by the wealthier of individuals does the greater good I suppose; and yet Jesus stopped to mention the poorest of individuals that gave all that she had.

No one can out give all that they have, can they? A few do it with conviction, without concern for self at all . Others just cannot do so, and consider the consequences of giving all to be too much, with some promising they will gladly do so, but not at this time as there are other matters to tend that compete with the heart's desire. Worst case is to stand claiming to be as one giving all, and yet holding back a cache, for that is a lie to God, is it not?

 In general I think one gives to Caesar what is demanded by Caesar, and to God what is of God. God providing both provisions and still the perfect portion for one's self.

 

 

[Michael37]

9 hours ago, Neighbor said:

What motivates giving may not be so important as the results of the giving.

As I expect you know, @Neighbor often the proverb "no good turn goes unpunished" applies.

My memory banks have a tendency to open files on my many experiences of that, but I know better than to keep them open.

1 Cor 13:4-5

4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no account of wrongs.

[Marathoner]

28 minutes ago, Michael37 said:

As I expect you know, @Neighbor often the proverb "no good turn goes unpunished" applies.

My memory banks have a tendency to open files on my many experiences of that, but I know better than to keep them open.

1 Cor 13:4-5

4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no account of wrongs.

"When I do something right, no one remembers. When I do something wrong, no one lets me forget." --- Sign on a cash register in a restaurant.