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LET ME DIE IN IRELAND  /  Chapter 18: A Man of Integrity  /  Discussion Questions
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Question 6
Patrick emphasizes being “fair-handed… treating wealthy and poor alike”; in this chapter, what concrete pressures push leaders toward favoritism, and where do you see subtle versions of the same pressure in modern churches (donors, influence, access, platform)?
Another way to ask: What pressures in this chapter push leaders to favor rich people over poor people? Where do you see similar pressure in churches today (big donors, influence, access, platform)?

Direct Answer The chapter shows favoritism pressure mainly through money and status: wealthy rulers can offer funding that seems necessary for ministry, which tempts leaders to soften discipline or create different standards for the rich than for the poor.

Support from Transcript:

  • Patrick explicitly names fairness as a discipline principle: “treating wealthy and poor alike.”
  • A king brings “an ornate wooden box filled with jewels,” highlighting the temptation tied to wealth.
  • The British presbyters argue pragmatically: the gift would provide “funds to carry on your mission,” and “Britain can’t finance your work indefinitely.”
  • Patrick warns gifts have “a price tag”: reliance leads to “bending our teachings in order not to offend such people.”
  • Patrick raises the equity issue directly: “What about the poor who can’t give such gifts? Am I to have a double standard… between the rich and the poor?”
Discussion Follow-ups The transcript doesn’t address modern platforms directly, but the same dynamic fits: who gets listened to most. Where might churches hesitate to correct sin because the person is influential, connected, or financially helpful?

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