But that's just the same as every word, though, right?
In the 1828 Dictionary, I got words like love, benevolence, and good will. I go to the dictionary nowadays, and it says things like alms, fund, gift.
Sure, these words are fairly close, but... how do words like love and benevolence turn into alms and funds?
See what I found:
This is the use overtime for the word 'charity'. Who would've known that in 1800 they used this word TONS, and then in 2010, it's not very much.
Here is the etymology of the word 'charity':
'Carus' in Latin means 'dear'. 'Carus' than evolved into 'Caritas' which started out meaning 'preciousness', 'dearness', or 'high price', but then the word evolved into Αγάπη which means 'an unconditional love for others'.
It then evolved into the French word 'charite', which pretty much is 'charity'.
On Wikipedia, they describe charity as one giving money to another. I mean... where did that come from?
How can a word that means 'the pure love of Christ' evolve into 'giving money to people in need'.
Do you think that giving publicly or "in the streets" is charity?
Tell me your thoughts, please!!!
Love you all!
Gracious :)
P.S. Here is my word cloud I made for 'charity'.
P.P.S. My favorite quote on charity is "Where there is charity and wisdom, there is neither fear nor arrogance." ~ Francis of Assisi
I really enjoyed this post on charity. I found this in the Bible Dictionary: "It (charity) is never used to denote alms or deeds or benevolence, although it may be a prompting motive." I think it went right along with what you were saying. Charity is definitely an inward change that has outward actions. We never know what others motives are for giving, but we want our motives to be loving kindness. To show a genuine concern and love for someone who has a need.
ReplyDeleteI really love one of the meanings for Caritas, 'High-Price'. Charity is a high price. Without Charity, we wouldn't have the Atonement, and the Atonement is a high price.
ReplyDeleteI love this post, Gracious! Great job! :)
I love how you researched the word, that's so cool. It is very interesting how the world thinks of charity these days.
ReplyDeleteWow...this post exploded my brain! (In a good way) :D
ReplyDeleteIt reminded me of how Satan is so keen in twisting meanings. I agree that 'alms' or 'publicly giving to the poor' could be an outcome of charity, if you have the right intent. I seem to keep being reminded how key "intent" is. The question is about what's in your heart.
Thanks for sharing!
I have been thinking about this question this weekend. Thanks for making me think. I thought about how "money" is what the world worships - an idol for many of us. So maybe giving some of it away helps us worship the true God. Or maybe it is a delusion to help us feel better about worshiping money. I guess it depends on what is in our heart. It is interesting to see how it evolved from it's much richer meaning. And I loved your word cloud, by the way :-)
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