As theologian David F. Wells states so powerfully, We have…
““As theologian David F. Wells states so powerfully, We have turned to a God that we can use rather than a God we must obey; we have turned to a God who will fulfill our needs rather than to a God before whom we must surrender our rights to ourselves. He is a God for us and for our satisfaction, and we have come to assume that it must be so in the church as well. And so we transform the God of mercy into a God who is at our mercy. We imagine that he is benign, that he will acquiesce as we toy with his reality and co-opt him in the promotion of our ventures and careers.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The quote critiques a self‑serving view of God, where believers treat divine power as a tool for personal satisfaction rather than a transcendent authority that demands humility and surrender.
In simple terms: People treat God like a personal resource instead of a higher authority.
Key Takeaway
Recognize the need for humility in faith.
Themes
theity
humility
faith
power
control
Mood
reflective
critical
Type
theological
philosophical
When to use this quote
- church leadership
- personal spirituality
- ethical decision‑making
Key Concepts
Theology
anthropology
psychology
Questions to Reflect On
- How does using God for personal gain affect community?
- What does true obedience look like?
A Different Perspective
It may overlook the communal and relational aspects of faith.