Christian Behavior During a Global Crisis According to Basil of Caesarea’s Homilies

Abstract

For reflection during this crisis of Christian behavior, we have chosen Basil of Caesarea’s Homilia dicta tempore famis et siccitatis, which refers to the famine that struck Cappadocia in 368–369. It is one of the few texts by the Church Fathers that describes in such detail the social situation of society and the Christian community during the famine. Moreover, it was delivered during a crisis, which allows us to look at the situation that had arisen with different, more realistic eyes and to assess it. In it, Basil attempts to bring together considerations arising from concrete experience and proposed practical solutions. This article seeks not so much to analyze a long-past event historically as to look at the situation from today’s perspective and the possibility of an extreme situation, theologically rethink the situation that occurred at that time and try to draw attention to the features of crisis discussion and resolution that are relevant today. To achieve this goal, we first discuss how Basil assesses the situation. Then we consider why Basil urges us to help those in need. The third section of the article presents and discusses the specific steps proposed by Basil to, if not end the calamities, at least alleviate the suffering of those affected.