Christian Mission and Poverty

Chapter 3: Distribution and Justice

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J ohn C hrysostom (347–407) Background

The name Chrysostom means golden-mouthed . John’s eloquence and skill in preaching earned him the name John of the Golden-Mouth . He was trained in the Antiochene School, which encouraged him toward more literal interpretations of the commands of Jesus rather than the comparatively figurative interpretations of Alexandria (like Clement’s). Additionally, whereas the Alexandrian School stressed the union of divine and human natures in Jesus, the Antiochene School stressed the importance of the distinction between the natures. Both, however, agreed that Jesus was fully God and fully man and rejected heretical 4 ways of thinking about Jesus that diminished either his divinity or his humanity. Chrysostom eventually became bishop of Constantinople 5 . He undertook reforms in the church, including refusing the luxuries of the bishop’s estate and calling church leaders to live simply. He also reemphasized caring for the poor and widows. From the money he saved by rejecting luxury, he started a hospital for those in need. He regularly positioned himself against wealthy patrons and on the side of people in poverty who were being abused or oppressed. While he was respected as a church leader, his rebuke of several people in power eventually led to his exile, where he died. However, the body of this much-loved pastor was brought back to Constantinople for his burial with great fanfare.

4 Heretical – unhealthy 5 Constantinople – modern-day Istanbul