Ambivalenzen der Nächstenliebe

Book Description

Johannes Eurich examines a fundamental question that has shaped Christian thought for centuries: does faith naturally lead to compassionate action toward others? Drawing from Luther's conviction that Christians would spontaneously practice neighborly love, this scholarly exploration investigates whether believers are indeed more socially engaged than others.

The author traces the complex relationship between Protestant theology and social commitment, beginning with the transformative impulses of the Wittenberg Reformation. Through historical analysis, the book reveals how developments after 1517 reshaped social welfare systems and contributed to the emergence of the modern welfare state. Eurich demonstrates how theological principles of justification became intertwined with practical expressions of care for society's most vulnerable members.

Moving beyond historical examination, the work presents both theoretical frameworks and empirical research to understand how concepts of neighborly love and altruism function within contemporary social ministry. The author incorporates insights from practitioners working directly in social services, offering readers a grounded perspective on how Christian compassion operates in professional settings.

Rather than presenting an idealized view, Eurich honestly confronts the tensions and contradictions that emerge when religious ideals meet real-world social challenges. This nuanced approach reveals both the strengths and limitations of faith-based approaches to addressing poverty and social problems. The result is a thoughtful examination that will resonate with anyone seeking to understand how spiritual convictions translate into meaningful social action.