Justice
st basil the great
Translation with Introduction
and Commentary by
C. Paul Schroeder
Foreword by Gregory P. Yova
st vladimir’s seminary press
crestwood, new york
2009
Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data
Basil, Saint, Bishop of Caesarea, ca. 329–379.
[Selections. English, 2009]
On social justice / St. Basil the Great; translation with introduction and commentary by C. Paul Schroeder; foreword by Gregory P. Yova.
p. cm.—(Popular patristics series, 1555–5755; no. 38)
Includes bibliographical references.
ISBN 978-0-88141-053-2
1. Social justice—Religious aspects—Christianity, 2. Christianity and justice. 3. Theology—History—Early church, ca. 30–600. I. Schroeder, C. Paul. II. Title.
BR65. B33E6 2009
201′.7—dc22
2009031773
copyright © 2009 by
st vladimir’s seminary press
575 Scarsdale Road, Crestwood, NY 10707
1-800-204-2665
ISBN 978-088141-053-2
ISSN 1555-5755
All Rights Reserved
Los trabajadores de Proyecto México y Casa Hogar San Inocencio
Los constructores de la Nueva Ciudad
En el Nuevo Mundo
For my brothers and sisters
The workers of Project Mexico and St Innocent Orphanage
Builders of the New City
In the New World
Against Those Who Lend at Interest
Appendix: The Pseudo-Basilian Homily
Have you ever had an overwhelming encounter with a beautiful aspect of God’s creation, and then struggled to describe it to others? Have you ever read something so powerful that it forever changed the way you live your life? Have you ever had a truly life-changing experience? Certain events are impossible to explain in mere words. For me, reading the writings of St Basil the Great in the following chapters was one of those experiences: life-changing and indescribable.
After my first visit to Alaska, I was so moved to the core of my being that I wanted to share it with everyone … but the incredible splendor and vast expanses of untainted beauty were powerful beyond words. The eerie quiet. The “white thunder” of creaking glaciers. The purity of nature with its amazing array of creatures great and small. The glorious breach and crash of a humpback whale. The monstrous power of a calving glacier. The virtual carpet of salmon fighting their way upstream to fulfill their mission. The sunset at midnight. A solitary, soaring bald eagle. My paltry words couldn’t begin to convey the reality.
Perhaps you’ve had a similar experience with an inspiring book, a special meal, or a gorgeous locale. With great confidence, you tell friends that it would be worth the effort to experience it for themselves—but your description falls short. That’s how I feel about these writings of Basil. There is no way to describe the power, simplicity, wisdom, and freedom of his words; but just as I would confidently urge my friends to visit Alaska and assure them without a ...
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About On Social JusticeSt. Basil’s homilies on the subject of wealth and poverty, although delivered in the fourth century, remain utterly fresh and contemporary. Whether you possess great wealth or have modest means, at the heart of St. Basil’s message stands the maxim: simplify your life, so you have something to share with others. While some patristic texts relate to obscure and highly philosophical questions, St. Basil’s teachings on social issues are immediately understood and applicable. At a time when vast income disparity and overuse of limited environmental resources are becoming matters of increasing concern, St. Basil’s message is more relevant now than ever before. |
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