When I am at Rome, I fast on a Saturday; when I am at Milan, I do not. Follow the custom of the church where you are.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Religious practice should adapt to local customs and location.
- In plain terms
- Follow the traditions of the place you are in.
- What can you take from it?
- Adapt to local customs to foster unity.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- When is adaptation necessary?
- How do you balance tradition and context?
Another view
Blindly following local custom can dilute core values.
More from Ambrose
It did not please God to save his people through dialectic.
Permalink to quote #3 Si fueris Romae, Romano vivito more; Si fueris alibi, vivito sicut ibi.
Permalink to quote #5 It is not death therefore that is burdensome, but the fear of death.
Permalink to quote #2
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