Letter to Diognetus (Anonymous Author)

Time Period: 2nd Century (A.D. 125/200)

Here's a great passage from the text, a beautiful explanation of the paradox of the Christian life:

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.

I also like this...

He sent Him for saving and persuading, but not for compelling. Compulsion, you see, is not an attribute of God.

In the Faith, faith and reason go hand in hand. It is not about "conversion or death," but about (as the Pope would say of late) love in truth.

As this unknown author writes, "Oh the magnitude of the kindness and love which God has for man!"

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