Concerning refuge with a higher existence such as an Omnipotent being, what is more befitting to use, English wise:
- To take refuge in [Omnipotent being]
- To take refuge with [Omnipotent being]
Grammatically, which is correct?
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3 Answers 3
To take refuge has both literal and figurative meanings.
Among the literal meanings are to seek safety in a place and to seek safety in the company of another person or persons.
With the former we tend to use "in":
In the storm, they took refuge in a train station.
When referring to the latter, we tend to use "with":
The police determined that the fugitive had taken refuge with a motorcycle gang.
In the first, the place or building provides the safety. In the second, being in the company of those other people provides the safety.
I have emphasized tend because these are not absolute divisions. You will find in religious writing, for example, "in" and "with" used almost interchangeably:
Take refuge in the Lord.
Take refuge with the Heavenly Father.
The figurative meaning refers to a kind of spiritual security, and the Deity is often understood metaphorically as a place of refuge, a "mighty fortress" for example.
If you take refuge with someone then that means that you both take refuge.
Example
I took refuge with my family until the storm had passed.
It is a matter of philosophy whether you take refuge in an omnipotent being. I would say that, for example, you take refuge in God's mercy.
answered Aug 22, 2015 at 18:10
chasly - supports Monica
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I got this far:
If refuge refers to safety one would use in.
One finds safety in an [Omniscient being]
(Unless you are hiding under the table together with [Omniscient being]).
If refuge refers to shelter one could use any preposition of place:
- Homeless people take refuge in subway shelters.
- Julian Assange has taken refuge inside an embassy.
- I take refuge with my mom.
- We took refuge under the table during the earthquake.
- She took refuge across the street, in the cafe.
