Free to refuse
Within the Greco-Roman world, Christians were free to refuse - free to refuse the patronage and benefits of benefactors and patrons, free to refuse because they had a more than adequate heavenly Benefactor and Patron.
Refuseniks formed a community of refuseniks, an alternative network of charis , a black market in charismaata .
But then Paul refuses help from the Corinthians and most everyone else. Sewing his tents, he is free to refuse even Christian patrons.
What do we get when refuseniks are freed to refuse other refuseniks?
Ingrates? Individuals? Or are these synonymous?
Peter Leithart
Peter J. Leithart is President of Theopolis Institute. He is the author of numerous books on theology, literature, and culture, including Theopolitan, Defending Constantine, and Baptized Body.
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