On Wealth and Poverty: St. John Chrysostom

By John Chrysostom

Book Overview

Popular Patristics Series Volume 9

This is the second edition of this Popular Patristics volume, enhanced with freshly edited text, an updated cover, and a new foreword by Hank Hanegraaff.

The sermons of St John Chrysostom are some of the richest classical commentaries on the Christian life. Knowing well the realities of life in the world, the temptation of rich and poor alike, this great orator-"the golden-mouthed"-addresses the questions of wealth and poverty in the lives of the people of his day. And yet, as the modern reader is confronted with his words, it becomes apparent that he, too, is being addressed; Chrysostom's words are words proclaiming the truth of the Gospel to all people of all times. The message of the story of the rich man and Lazarus (Luke 16:19-31) is brought home to every person in these six sermons of Chrysostom with clarity, insight into the human dilemma, compassion, and judgment.

Related texts in the Popular Patristics Series include St Basil the Great's on Social Justice (PPS 38) and several other works by St John Chrysostom: Six Books on the Priesthood (PPS 1), On Marriage and Family Life (PPS 7), The Cult of the Saints (PPS 31), and Letters to Olympia (PPS 56).

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 088141039X
• ISBN13: 9780881410396
• Release Date: August 2020
• Publisher: St. Vladimir's Seminary Press
• Length: 138 Pages
• Weight: 0.35 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.3" x 5.0" x 7.0"

Customer Reviews

Life Changing Book

I have read this book many times. The sermons are timeless and have great power in them. Saint John Chrysostom's words can change the way one views the world. I most emphatically recommend reading this. People love their possessions and rank in the world but when these affectations are examined with Saint John's guidance their importance is relegated to a more sensible, appropriate place.

St. John Chrysostom

I completely agree with the previous reviewer, this book is a short read that will make you look at life differently. Chrysostom definitely clears up all of the 'gray area' about who deserves help and who does not, like i said this book has the potential to change your life.

Wealth and Poverty

When reading this work, please keep in mind that Saint John is a speaker, not a writer. When reading his sermons, it can be tedious at times because he repeasts and phrases ideas in such a way as that it seems tricky when reading, yet very colorful and easily understood when speaking. The moral implications of the several sermons contained in this 'one sermon' are massive. The sermons all revolve around the story of the Rich man and Lazarus in Luke and he explands on how even the slightest of monetary pleasures should be avoided and the money given to the poor instead because there will always be those who need help; children, old and infirmed, injured and disables, etc. The lessons he teached by way of Christ are ones which we need now more than ever.