And You Welcomed Me: A Sourcebook on Hospitality in Early Christianity

Description

This volume provides an anthology of about 40 primary source documents that describe the work of religious communities that took care of pilgrims and the sick in the late antique and early medieval world. The project identifies letters, diary accounts, instructions, sermons, travelogues, and community records and rules that give us a window into a world of early communities that saw it as their duty and their privilege to care for the sick, to safeguard the pilgrim, and to host the stranger. Each document is placed in historical, geographical, and social context as it contributes to an emerging picture of these communities. The volume addresses the motivations and practices of communities that risked extending hospitality. Why did these communities take great risks for the socially vulnerable? What stake did they have in pilgrims and the sick? What communal experiences supported and sustained both the communities and their audiences? How was hospitality cultivated? Review: Important book - A thorough look at hospitality as it was defined and executed in the early years of the church. Inspiring. The trappings of today become nothing as one’s eyes are opened to the needs of others and what it means to love as God loves. An important book to linger over, pray about and hear God’s admonitions. Review: Ancient quotes about hospitality from a Christian perspective. - I was hoping for a book that would really culturally frame biblical hospitality, this didn't quite match what I was looking for. You have to dig for the info through a selection of ancient quotes. Quotes are quality and it is well researched - if that is what you are looking for.