Sign up to save your podcasts
Or
Share Dr. Colin Elliott - What Rome's Plagues Teach Us About Welfare #12
Share to email
Share to Facebook
Share to X
Share to email
Share to Facebook
Share to X
Or
Dr. Colin Elliott - What Rome's Plagues Teach Us About Welfare #12
Jim Pfaff is joined by Dr. Colin Elliott, Roman history professor at Indiana University, for a lively exploration of charity, government, and welfare—ancient and modern. They delve into how the Roman Empire managed crises like the Antonine Plague, what "welfare" truly meant in the ancient world, and how early Christians transformed charity. With thought-provoking comparisons to today's debates on government programs and faith-driven aid, this episode delivers fresh insights for anyone interested in history, politics, or the roots of social responsibility.
(00:02) Welfare Misconceptions: Historical Christian Context (08:12) Reevaluating Pandemic Perspectives Through History (15:21) Roman Emperors as Divine Intermediaries (16:31) Emperors' Eccentric Religious Demands (24:17) Mom's Tales of Nursing Defiance (27:04) Humility Through Expertise (32:31) Plague's Economic Impact on Rome (40:06) Faith in Crisis: Tougher Measures (44:22) Ancient Rome's Patronage vs. Welfare (49:11) Welfare as Political Exchange (57:11) Economic Evolution: Ancient to Modern (01:00:02) Early Christian Mutual Aid Practices (01:05:37) Christian Charity: Past vs. Present (01:13:47) Radical Christian Witness Through Care (01:17:55) Christian Charity vs. Roman Welfare (01:24:35) Critique of Governmental Welfare Programs
About Guest: Colin Elliott is a historian who has spent years researching the economic impacts of the Antonine Plague. This mysterious epidemic struck Rome under Emperor Marcus Aurelius around 160 AD. Fascinated by how historians still debate the severity and causes of the disease—whether it decimated populations or was exaggerated by contemporary writers—Elliott delved deep into primary sources and scholarly debates. After five years of research, his work took on renewed relevance when the world faced its own pandemic in March 2020, drawing increased interest in historical parallels and prompting a publisher to approach him about his timely expertise.
About the Host: Jim Pfaff is the president of The Conservative Caucus (TCC) and an influential voice in conservative circles. He is a nationally recognized public policy leader in strategic management and development for government officials, campaigns, and non-profit organizations. His government relations work has included federal and state legislative issues. Jim helps government and non-profit organizations, political efforts, and businesses use communications tools to advance grassroots organizing, message development, coalition building, and fundraising goals.
Links X: @TCCaucus X: @jimpfaff www.theconservativecaucus.org [email protected]
View all episodes
By Jim PfaffJim Pfaff is joined by Dr. Colin Elliott, Roman history professor at Indiana University, for a lively exploration of charity, government, and welfare—ancient and modern. They delve into how the Roman Empire managed crises like the Antonine Plague, what "welfare" truly meant in the ancient world, and how early Christians transformed charity. With thought-provoking comparisons to today's debates on government programs and faith-driven aid, this episode delivers fresh insights for anyone interested in history, politics, or the roots of social responsibility.
(00:02) Welfare Misconceptions: Historical Christian Context (08:12) Reevaluating Pandemic Perspectives Through History (15:21) Roman Emperors as Divine Intermediaries (16:31) Emperors' Eccentric Religious Demands (24:17) Mom's Tales of Nursing Defiance (27:04) Humility Through Expertise (32:31) Plague's Economic Impact on Rome (40:06) Faith in Crisis: Tougher Measures (44:22) Ancient Rome's Patronage vs. Welfare (49:11) Welfare as Political Exchange (57:11) Economic Evolution: Ancient to Modern (01:00:02) Early Christian Mutual Aid Practices (01:05:37) Christian Charity: Past vs. Present (01:13:47) Radical Christian Witness Through Care (01:17:55) Christian Charity vs. Roman Welfare (01:24:35) Critique of Governmental Welfare Programs
About Guest: Colin Elliott is a historian who has spent years researching the economic impacts of the Antonine Plague. This mysterious epidemic struck Rome under Emperor Marcus Aurelius around 160 AD. Fascinated by how historians still debate the severity and causes of the disease—whether it decimated populations or was exaggerated by contemporary writers—Elliott delved deep into primary sources and scholarly debates. After five years of research, his work took on renewed relevance when the world faced its own pandemic in March 2020, drawing increased interest in historical parallels and prompting a publisher to approach him about his timely expertise.
About the Host: Jim Pfaff is the president of The Conservative Caucus (TCC) and an influential voice in conservative circles. He is a nationally recognized public policy leader in strategic management and development for government officials, campaigns, and non-profit organizations. His government relations work has included federal and state legislative issues. Jim helps government and non-profit organizations, political efforts, and businesses use communications tools to advance grassroots organizing, message development, coalition building, and fundraising goals.
Links X: @TCCaucus X: @jimpfaff www.theconservativecaucus.org [email protected]