In this seminary we discuss the need for a new Danish translation of "The Epistle to Diognetus", a short but powerful text from the 2nd century, on the Christian's relationship to the world (author unknown). The seminary will be in English, if needed.
"[...]For Christians are not distinguished from the rest of mankind either in locality or in speech or in customs. For they dwell not somewhere in cities of their own, neither do they use some different language, nor practise an extraordinary kind of life. Nor again do they possess any invention discovered by any intelligence or study of ingenious men, nor are they masters of any human dogma as some are. But while they dwell in cities of Greeks and barbarians as the lot of each is cast, and follow the native customs in dress and food and the other arrangements of life, yet the constitution of their own citizenship, which they set forth, is marvellous, and confessedly contradicts expectation. [...] In a word, what the soul is in a body, this the Christians are in the world. The soul is spread through all the members of the body, and Christians through the divers cities of the world. The soul hath its abode in the body, and yet it is not of the body. So Christians have their abode in the world, and yet they are not of the world.[...]" (from Lightfoot's translation)
"Altogether, the Epistle is a gem of purest ray; and, while suggesting some difficulties as to interpretation and exposition, it is practically clear as to argument and intent." (Roberts-Donaldson)Resources:
- Greek text of the epistle
- A preliminary (sketchy!) translation (coming)
- See also http://www.earlychristianwritings.com/diognetus.html
