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To speak of “God” properly, then—to use the word in a…

“To speak of “God” properly, then—to use the word in a sense consonant with the teachings of orthodox Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Sikhism, Hinduism, Bahá’í, a great deal of antique paganism, and so forth—is to speak of the one infinite source of all that is: eternal, omniscient, omnipotent…” quote by David Bentley Hart
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““To speak of “God” properly, then—to use the word in a sense consonant with the teachings of orthodox Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Sikhism, Hinduism, Bahá’í, a great deal of antique paganism, and so forth—is to speak of the one infinite source of all that is: eternal, omniscient, omnipotent, omnipresent, uncreated, uncaused, perfectly transcendent of all things and for that very reason absolutely immanent to all things. God so understood is not something posed over against the universe, in addition to it, nor is he the universe itself. He is not a “being,” at least not in the way that a tree, a shoemaker, or a god is a being; he is not one more object in the inventory of things that are, or any sort of discrete object at all.””

David Bentley Hart

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

God is described as an all-encompassing, transcendent source that is both beyond and within everything.

In simple terms: God is an infinite source beyond and within all.

Key Takeaway

Consider the paradox of divine immanence and transcendence.

Themes

theology philosophy interfaith metaphysics

Mood

reflective inquisitive

Type

theological academic inspirational

When to use this quote

  • interfaith dialogue
  • spiritual contemplation
  • academic study
  • personal belief

Key Concepts

ineffability unity divine nature religious pluralism

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does this view affect personal worship?
  • Can such a concept bridge religious differences?
A Different Perspective

The description may be too abstract for practical faith experiences.

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