The -holy poor- have long maintained an elite status within Christianity. Differing from the -real- poor, these clergymen, teachers, and ascetics have historically been viewed by their fellow Christians as persons who should receive material support in exchange for offering immeasurable immaterial benefits--teaching, preaching, and prayer. Supporting them--quite as much as supporting the real poor--has been a way to accumulate eventual treasure in heaven. Yet from the rise of Christian monasticism in Egypt and Syria to present day, Christians have argued fiercely about whether monks should...
The -holy poor- have long maintained an elite status within Christianity. Differing from the -real- poor, these clergymen, teachers, and ascetics h...
