I can't see why anybody — unless he was a child, or an…
““I can't see why anybody — unless he was a child, or an angel, or a lucky simpleton like the pilgrim — would even want to say a prayer to a Jesus who was the least bit different from the way he looks and sounds in the New Testament. My God! He's only the most intelligent man in the Bible, that's all! Who isn't he head and shoulders over? Who? Both Testaments are full of pundits, prophets, disciples, favorite sons, Solomons, Isaiahs, Davids, Pauls — but, my God, who besides Jesus really knew which end was up? Nobody. Not Moses. Don't tell me Moses. He was a nice man, and he kept in beautiful touch with his God, and all that — but that's exactly the point. He had to keep in touch. Jesus realized there is no separation from God.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The speaker questions why people pray to a historical Jesus who differs from biblical depictions, suggesting Jesus is merely an intelligent man, not a divine figure.
In simple terms: Why pray to a Jesus who seems ordinary?
Key Takeaway
Consider the human versus divine nature of religious figures.
Themes
faith
skepticism
religion
humanity
Mood
contemplative
skeptical
Type
philosophical
critical
When to use this quote
- personal prayer
- academic study of religion
- interfaith dialogue
Key Concepts
theology
existentialism
iconography
Questions to Reflect On
- Do you view religious figures as human or divine?
- How does this view affect your spiritual practice?
A Different Perspective
Critics argue that reducing Jesus to mere intelligence undermines core spiritual beliefs.