Departmental Honors Project Title
The Deserving Poor: The Reimagining of Poverty in Reformation Theology and Poor Relief
Date of Award
Spring 2015
Degree Type
Honors Project
School
College of Liberal Arts
First Advisor
Deanna Thompson
Abstract
The Reformation is one of the most studied periods an history, with a rich historiography and body of theological literature; however, historians and scholars of religion alike have yet to fully capture the imaginative redefining of poverty that occurred during this time. The objective of the study is to do just that. Following the model set by church historian Peter Matheson, who is keen to portray the reformation in a new light – as a shift in peoples’ consciousness, rather than in terms of dogmatic changes – this study has endeavored to re-investigate the changing definition of poverty in the sixteenth century. By examining Luther’s works in comparison to poor relief legislation passed after his treatise on the common chest, this study has concluded that Luther’s role was far more significant than previously thought. Luther’s new definition of poverty was adopted by large portions of society, which can be seen clearly in the bodies of municipal legislation passed in protestant cities. By examining Luther, we can better understand the origins of contemporary views of poverty – views which are far too often pervaded by disregarding language.
Recommended Citation
Thomley, Jared, "The Deserving Poor: The Reimagining of Poverty in Reformation Theology and Poor Relief" (2015). Departmental Honors Projects. 34.
https://digitalcommons.hamline.edu/dhp/34
dc_type
text
dc_publisher
DigitalCommons@Hamline
dc_format
application/pdf
dc_source
Departmental Honors Project