Resilient

One of the top book I read this year.

"Christians, they said, were humble, gentle, generous, compassionate, kind, and patient.

They refused luxury and avoided popular forms of entertainment, choosing instead to live chastely and modestly.

They opposed violence, arguing that it would be far better to be a victim than a perpetrator.

They condemned idolatry and prohibited church members from practicing it or working jobs that somehow promoted it.

They protected the sanctity of marriage and the marriage bed, opposed divorce, held husbands accountable to the same moral standard as wives, and honored women—virgins and widows—who chose not to marry or marry again.

They condemned abortion and infanticide, and they rescued infants who had been abandoned and left to die.

They supported orphans, widows, and prisoners, cared for the sick and buried the dead, not just their own but their neighbors’, too.

They welcomed people into their homes and gave sacrificially to those in need.

Christian leaders identified these and other examples—observable to all—to illustrate how Christians lived, and how they lived better than the Romans."

One of the best books about how the Third way changed the world and lived among many that were hostile to it. Perhaps the church can look in the rear view mirror and see where we veered of course. We might be called many names if we do....but in the end of the day being faithful has always promised some trouble.