Blumenfeld again, quoting Wayne Meeks: “The household, especially in Romans times, develops into a vast and complex system of inner and outer connections of allegiances and obligation, a ‘network of relationships, both internal – kinship, clientela , subordination – and external: ties of friendship and perhaps of occupation.’” Blumenfeld suggests that ultimately “the oikos effectively substitutes for the polis in meaning and extension.”
So: Who was baptized when “households” were baptized?
The Battle of Minneapolis
The Battle of Minneapolis is the latest flashpoint in our ongoing regime-level political conflict. It pits not…
Of Roots and Adventures
I have lived in Ohio, Michigan, Georgia (twice), Pennsylvania, Alabama (also twice), England, and Idaho. I left…
Our Most Popular Articles of 2025
It’s been a big year for First Things. Our website was completely redesigned, and stories like the…