The concept of Temporal advantage in Christianity
According to Christianity, temporal advantage refers to benefits or gains that relate to present life rather than spiritual values. The Catholic Church highlights that seeking these earthly benefits can detract from spiritual responsibilities. The text contrasts the pursuit of such material gains with the notion of worship for eternal life. It cautions against justifying sinful behavior for short-term advantages and notes that some may worship demons in hopes of achieving these temporal advantages, emphasizing a misguided focus on materialism.
In Dutch: Tijdelijk voordeel; In Finnish: Ajallinen etu; In Swedish: Tidsmässig fördel; In Malay: Kelebihan sementara; In Spanish: Ventaja temporal; In German: Zeitlicher Vorteil
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Christian concept of 'Temporal advantage'
From: Summa Theologica (English translation)
(1) Temporal advantage refers to the benefits derived from preaching; false apostles preached for such benefits, and the Apostle avoided it to cut off the occasion from them and to avoid burdening those to whom he preached, and to give an example of work to the idle.[1] (2) A temporary benefit or gain that can be sought, like honor.[2] (3) Earthly or material benefits that may detract from one's spiritual responsibilities.[3] (4) A short-term benefit that one might obtain, which should not justify leading another into sin.[4]
From: The city of God
(1) The text contrasts worshipping the gods for earthly benefits with doing so for eternal life, implying that this involves the gains in this mortal life.[5] (2) These are benefits of this life that people may seek, which religion is not meant to be cultivated for.[6] (3) The text mentions that some worship the demons for the sake of temporal advantages, implying a focus on material gains and the belief that these gods have power in this regard.[7]
From: Expositions of Holy Scripture
(1) Benefits or gains that are related to the present time rather than eternal or spiritual values.[8]