The Invention of Charity

Students write a definition for the word ‘generosity’. (The Invention of Charity Slides)

Students complete a Think/Pair/Share with the following questions:

1. Describe a time when you’ve been generous to another person or group of people.
2. Describe a time when someone has been really generous to you.
3. Write down a range of good and bad reasons why people might be generous.

Students create a collage of four images that symbolise the word “charity”, explaining why they chose them.

In small groups students imagine what they would do if they were given a magic wand that allows them to help one group, in one place, at one time. Which group would they choose to help, and why? Each group shares with the class.

Watch the documentary excerpt ‘The invention of charity’ (7:01), students answer some or all of the following questions:

1. What were the “older foundations” that the Christian commitment to charity was based on?
2. What is your reaction to the Old Testament idea that “the surplus of the rich belongs to the poor”?
3. What does this show us about the character of God?
4. How did the early Christians expand the Jewish idea of caring for the poor?
5. Evaluate how the values of community care and generosity may have contributed to the growth of Christianity.
6. Why did Emperor Julian panic? What did this cause him to do? (Students can re-enact a conversation that Julian might have had about this with one of his advisers.)
7. What was ironic about Julian’s response to the Christians’ welfare program?

(The Invention of Charity Slides)

Display the Bockmuehl quote. Discuss what ‘God’s grace’ is and what ‘God’s reaching out to humanity’ means.

1. In what ways could the actions of these early Christians be seen to be motivated by the belief in God’s grace and the belief in the value of every human person?
2. How might these values have shaped the way modern society cares for the poor?

(The Invention of Charity Slides)

Students read Deuteronomy 24:19-21 and answer the questions:

1. What does God command the Israelites to do in these verses?
2. What would have been challenging about this?

Students read Luke 12:32-34 and answer the questions:

3. How could someone sell all their possessions and give to the poor, and not be afraid of the future?
4. What do you think Jesus means when he says, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also”?

Students read Acts 2:42-47 and create an image to reflect the description of the early church in this passage, explaining their design to a partner.

In pairs students reflect on how much generosity they think they show to others and consider how they could show more generosity.

Students design a poster promoting the charity they would create if they were given a grant. They should include key information about what your charity would be for, and the principles behind it.

Display Deuteronomy 24:19-21 again and discuss how we could apply these principles to today’s society? Invite students to share any modern examples that they are aware of? (The Invention of Charity Slides)

Students research a current Australian charity that is helping the poor, identifying the principles that guide their work and any Christian influence that is noticeable.