In the scientific world, charity is defined as a moral category and a social object.There are several areas in which attach great importance to this phenomenon: firstly, in the Christian religion is one of the central concepts whose value is equated to the concepts of "love" and "God."Then charity paid attention to the arts, placing it a central figure in some of the works.And finally, charity is part of the conceptual apparatus of one of the philosophical disciplines - ethics, where he studied morality and ethics.
Mercy: the definition and meaning of it in the modern world
in the classic sense of compassion is defined as the manifestation of compassion and kindness to someone else.In a simple understanding of charity - is the concern and opposition to this concept are the indifference, cruelty, violence, malice, etc.
Since ancient times charity was one of the main conditions of the hostel where everyone took care of those who were close to him.The essence of mercy - in the initiative, it can not be manifest passivity, because it is implemented in the actions: assistance and support, and always aimed at alleviating the plight of the other.
Today we can observe the manifestation of mercy in the supply of alms, the disadvantaged, the treatment of humans and animals without compensation.Philosophers and theologians have repeatedly raised the question of whether there was less compassionate people and actions: some believe that they as much as before, while others believe that a good number of charitable acts became dramatically less.
Next, we look at how the concept of mercy manifested in art, religion, and as understood by modern science.
What is charity in Christianity?
First of all, it is one of the main virtues of Christianity, which is closely linked with the concept of love, which in this case is projected onto the neighbor.
In Christianity, it is believed that to love our neighbor as ourselves and show that love in deeds - the supreme sacrifice that can bring people to God and to the world.In fact, here we can understand the mercy of how the meaning of the life of every Christian, and we can not say that this is a dogma without any practical significance, because the generally accepted ethical standards is also based on this, though, and are presented to the scientific world more superficially, without spirituality of man asit is in Christianity.
This religion is a sample list of cases that relate to the charity.They are divided into two types: the "spiritual" and "physical»:
- a "spiritual" manifestation of mercy include the following: to convince potential sinners to abandon the intention to cause harm to anyone, to teach the ignorant truth and goodness and give timely advice if necessaryI am praying to God for others, to comfort, to forgive and not seek revenge.
- By "corporal" manifestation of mercy include such actions: to feed the hungry, give drink, to give clothes to those who have not, to help those who are sitting in prison, to visit the sick, let the house of travelers, who are looking for temporary shelter.
main feature of Charity in Christianity - to do good deeds without disclosure and boasting, and it is desirable so that those who assisted the giver did not know her that no one could neither praise nor thanks.
What is charity in art and different cultures?
theme of mercy is found in art, where it constructed plots and characters.For example, in ancient times, this phenomenon was depicted as a woman dressed in military armor with an olive branch, which since ancient times was considered a symbol of peace.
In ancient China, there were five virtues, the symbol which stands jade stone, and among them was a mercy.In ancient Rome, a charity understood, first of all, respect for parents.His character appeared pelican, which legend tore his chest to feed the hungry cubs.
What is charity from a scientific point of view?
In ethics charity is separated into two components: the experience of someone else's pain and grief like his, and at the same time helping to get rid of them.
What is charity from a scientific point of view, more specifically, is difficult to determine because it is not so much a theoretical concept as a practical, manifested primarily in real life.
