To admit the existence of a need in God is to admit…
“To admit the existence of a need in God is to admit incompleteness in the divine Being. Need is a creature-word and cannot be spoken of the Creator. God has a voluntary relationg to everything He has made, but He has no Necessary relation to anything outside of Himself. His interest in His creatures arises from His sovereign good pleasure, not from any need those creatures can supply nor from any completeness they can dring to Him who is complete in himself.”
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 argues that attributing needs to God implies imperfection, asserting divine self‑sufficiency and that any relation to creation is voluntary, not necessary.
In simple terms: God is self‑sufficient; needs imply imperfection.
Key Takeaway
Recognize divine completeness without projecting human needs.
Themes
theology
divine nature
philosophy
Mood
contemplative
serious
Type
theoretical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- religious discourse
- academic debate
- personal reflection
Key Concepts
necessity
voluntary relation
self‑sufficiency
Questions to Reflect On
- How does this view affect worship practices?
- Can a self‑sufficient deity still be compassionate?
A Different Perspective
Such a view may overlook relational aspects of many the traditions.