Why Did Christian Charity Begin?

Who What Why Series | The Medieval Church

The Medieval Church was a turbulent time in history, yet the people of God faithfully followed Jesus.

From around 400-1350 AD, the Medieval Church was besieged by foreign invaders, political power struggles, church leaders looking for influence and prestige, and strange new teachings. In the midst of it all, followers of Jesus stood firm for their faith and fought for biblical truth, while the good news of Jesus continued to spread.

Teach your kids about the Medieval Church with fun narrative and important biblical truth through the Who What Why series from Danika Cooley and Christian Focus Publications.

Why Did Christian Charity Begin?

Have you ever really needed something? Maybe you were so hungry you could barely think. Did someone help you? Perhaps they fed you good food. If you have ever been helped, you have been loved with a selfless, unconditional love--with agape love, or charity. It felt good, didn't it?

Why Did Christian Charity Begin?, Danika Cooley (Christian Focus Publications, 2027), page

Christians in the Early and Medieval Church took Jesus' admonition to care for “the least of these” seriously.

Our kids need to know that Christian charity changed the world. They benefit from knowing the stories of God’s faithful people who cared for orphans, widows, the enslaved, strangers, and those who are ill and injured.

Early Christian Charity

We live in a world that values strength and self-reliance. Yet, God made the Church to be the body of Christ. He has given us firm instructions to love one another well.

As your kids read Why Did Christian Charity Begin?, they will:

• Learn about the theology behind Christian charity.
• Understand why Christians love others.
• Explore the history of hospitals, philanthropy, and activism.
• Meet Christians in Early and Medieval Church history who cared for those in need.
• Consider the biblical mandate to meet the needs of orphans, widows, and the poor; captives and sojourners; and the weak, injured, and ill.

The story of Christian charity in the Early and Medieval Church is one we want our kids to know. It is important that they understand how Christians love others sacrificially. It is also important for our kids to understand that true charity began--and continues--through the work of faithful Christians.

Christianity and Charity | Theology for Kids

Charity began with the Christian Church. In fact, faithful followers of Jesus developed structured ways to care for those in need.

In a fun and engaging tone, the Christian theology and history book Why Did Christian Charity Begin? tells the truth tale of how God's people cared for others, even when it was uncomfortable or dangerous.

Why Did Christian Charity Begin? chapters:

• Chapter One: Loving the Least of These
• Chapter Two: I Was Hungry...
• Chapter Three: ...You Fed Me
• Chapter Four: I Was in Prison...
• Chapter Five: ...You Came to Me
• Chapter Six: I Was Sick...
• Chapter Seven: ...You Visited Me
• Timeline

Christians refused to follow the advice of Plato. Instead, they treated everyone--even the "least of these"--as though they were serving Jesus. So, they cared for orphans and widows. The Church helped the poor with food, clothing, and shelter. Christians worked to free people who were in slavery. They greeted travelers and strangers, giving them a place to stay. For the sick, believers in Jesus set up hospitals and worked in them even when it meant they might become ill, too.

Why Did Christian Charity Begin?, Danika Cooley (Christian Focus Publications, 2027), page

CHRISTIAN CHARITY InText PICTURE COMING SOON

Fabulously illustrated by Martyn Smith, the Who What Why series books are each 95 pages long with 8-9 chapters, perfect for your middle grade (ages 7-12) readers. The fun narrative makes each book an engaging family read aloud, but kids will love, too, that they can read the books on their own.

In fascinating sidebars, your kids will learn what the Bible says about agape love:

• Who Are the Righteous?
• Pure Religion
• Friends of Jesus
• Wear Love
• Outdo One Another
• The End of Sickness
• The Reason We Love

Why Did Christian Charity Begin? is a fun way for kids to learn about how the early and medieval church sought to love their neighbors through sacrificial, caring love.