19 May 2021
The Christian in the World
Christians
are indistinguishable from other men either by nationality, language or
customs. They do not inhabit separate cities of their own, or speak a strange
dialect, or follow some outlandish way of life. Their teaching is not based
upon reveries inspired by the curiosity of men. Unlike some other people, they
champion no purely human doctrine. With regard to dress, food and manner of
life in general, they follow the customs of whatever city they happen to be
living in, whether it is Greek or foreign.
And
yet there is something extraordinary about their lives. They live in their own
countries as though they were only passing through. They play their full role
as citizens, but labor under all the disabilities of aliens. Any country can be
their homeland, but for them their homeland, wherever it may be, is a foreign
country. Like others, they marry and have children, but they do not expose
them. They share their meals, but not their wives.
They
live in the flesh, but they are not governed by the desires of the flesh. They
pass their days upon earth, but they are citizens of heaven. Obedient to the
laws, they yet live on a level that transcends the law. Christians love all
men, but all men persecute them. Condemned because they are not understood,
they are put to death, but raised to life again. They live in poverty, but
enrich many; they are totally destitute, but possess an abundance of
everything. They suffer dishonor, but that is their glory. They are defamed,
but vindicated. A blessing is their answer to abuse, deference their response
to insult. For the good they do they receive the punishment of malefactors, but
even then they, rejoice, as though receiving the gift of life.
From a letter to Diognetus
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