Duty Of Charity To The Poor Dbq Analysis

In Europe between 1450 and 1700, demonstrated many diverse attitudes in response to the high levels of poverty, including the belief that the poor needed help and treatment, should be punished and regulated, and that they are indolent. Many during this time expressed the view that the poor were in need of help and treatment, and that there were potential benefits to the donor. One French Catholic priest stated “ Whoever gives a penny to the poor for God while in good health, it shall be worth 240 pennies after death” (Doc 1). This priest brings up the idea that if people spare money to the poor or give alms, then the act will be of greater value in afterlife. A town council in Dijon, France stated “ In order to care for the poor… we will
By this statement they are able to remove the poor off the streets and prevent themselves or their citizens from being disturbed. By having it written on a resolution, the likelihood on the completion of the action increases (POV). Spanish humanist, Juan Luis Vives brings a sympathetic tone in his speech when addressing the poor, and adds on to the idea that the poor deserve aid. He states, “Some know they have a duty of charity to the poor” and uses key words like “good intentions” (Doc 3). Highlighting it is one’s duty to look after and care for the poor due to the appalling living conditions that they lived in. In Document 9, there is a picture of a man at the door of his house, giving alms to the beggars. This expresses Rembrandt van Rijn sympathetic view towards beggars as the picture depicts the man calmly giving the money to the beggars without any sings of disgust but rather support. Perhaps, the sympathy was evoked by seeing the condition of the family resulting in the feeling that one must give alms and showing a reason as to why many feel a need for a sympathetic gesture to the poor. Lastly, Vincent de Paul, another Catholic priest shows his support to the poor by saying in speech to his order that there should be a