--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: The early Christians took this story and…" description: "\"“The early Christians took this story and used it as the backdrop for the doctrine of ‘The Trinity.’ For me, though, this myth has nothing to do with t..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/c2d/eric-overby-21266_abraham-and-sarah_the-early-christians-took-this-story-and_335618.jpg" --- # The early Christians took this story and used it as the… ![“The early Christians took this story and used it as the backdrop for the doctrine of ‘The Trinity.’ For me, though, this myth has nothing to do with the belief in the father, son, and holy spirit. Rublev’s hospitality icon is important to me because by receiving the three strangers, Abraham and…” quote by Eric Overby](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/c2d/eric-overby-21266_abraham-and-sarah_the-early-christians-took-this-story-and_335618.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/c2d/eric-overby-21266_abraham-and-sarah_the-early-christians-took-this-story-and_335618.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/c2d/eric-overby-21266_abraham-and-sarah_the-early-christians-took-this-story-and_335618.jpg) > ““The early Christians took this story and used it as the backdrop for the doctrine of ‘The Trinity.’ For me, though, this myth has nothing to do with the belief in the father, son, and holy spirit. Rublev’s hospitality icon is important to me because by receiving the three strangers, Abraham and Sarah further their own narrative. The story of the strangers gets intertwined with Abraham and Sarah and they learn something new about themselves. This icon is a reminder to me to be welcoming and hospitable to strangers. It helps me remember that every stranger has a story. I kept this myth in mind, when a group of young Mormons came walking down the street and knocked on my door. I offered for them to come in and eat. Did I become Mormon? No. I did have them over three times to understand them and learn what it was like to be Mormon and to be them personally. Does this mean that you should let every stranger in your house because it says that Abraham did? No, definitely do not do that. Just like I get to choose what to get out of a myth, I get to choose when to apply it. I am admittedly a nerd and like to discuss beliefs and theology. I like to learn about people and different ways to think and live. This comes with an openness to new people in certain situations. Being open and hospitable to new people and ideas can help you understand yourself and other people. It can further your narrative and expand your viewpoints.”” [Eric Overby](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/eric-overby/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. The speaker uses a religious artwork to illustrate how welcoming strangers can foster personal growth and understanding, while acknowledging that such openness must be applied selectively. **In simple terms:** Welcoming strangers can teach us about ourselves, but we must choose when to act. Key Takeaway Be open, but set healthy boundaries. Themes hospitality self‑discovery intercultural dialogue boundaries Mood thoughtful reflective Type personal essay philosophical When to use this quote - hosting visitors - cross‑cultural conversations - learning from newcomers - setting limits Key Concepts myth interpretation personal narrative theology Questions to Reflect On - When does hospitality become imprudent? - How can we balance openness with safety? A Different Perspective Over‑extending hospitality can expose one to risk or exploitation. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Certain Situations](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/certain-situations/) [Christianity](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/christianity/) [Holy spirit](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/holy-spirit/) [Hospitality](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/hospitality/) [Learn Something New](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/learn-something-new/) [Learning from others](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/learning-from-others/) [Mormons](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/mormons/) [Note to self](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/note-to-self/) [Openness](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/openness/) ## Related quotes > [Everyone goes through things; everyone has a story. That's why strangers are so interesting. 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I kept this myth in mind, when a group of young Mormons came walking down the street and knocked on my door. I offered for them to come in and eat. Did I become Mormon? No. I did have them over three times to understand them and learn what it was like to be Mormon and to be them personally. Does this mean that you should let every stranger in your house because it says that Abraham did? No, definitely do not do that. Just like I get to choose what to get out of a myth, I get to choose when to apply it. I am admittedly a nerd and like to discuss beliefs and theology. I like to learn about people and different ways to think and live. This comes with an openness to new people in certain situations. Being open and hospitable to new people and ideas can help you understand yourself and other people. 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