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When we say God is a spirit, we know what we mean, as well…

“When we say God is a spirit, we know what we mean, as well as we do when we say that the pyramids of Egypt are matter. Let us be content, therefore, to believe him to be a spirit, that is, an essence that we know nothing of, in which originally and necessarily reside all energy, all power, all…” quote by John Adams
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“When we say God is a spirit, we know what we mean, as well as we do when we say that the pyramids of Egypt are matter. Let us be content, therefore, to believe him to be a spirit, that is, an essence that we know nothing of, in which originally and necessarily reside all energy, all power, all capacity, all activity, all wisdom, all goodness.”

John Adams

About This Quote

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

Describes God as an ineffable spirit encompassing all fundamental forces and virtues.

In simple terms: God as an all‑encompassing spirit.

Key Takeaway

Contemplate the mystery of a universal essence.

Themes

theology philosophy metaphysics

Mood

contemplative inquisitive

Type

theological philosophical

When to use this quote

  • personal reflection
  • interfaith dialogue
  • academic study

Key Concepts

spirituality ontology cosmology

Questions to Reflect On

  • What does “spirit” mean to you?
  • How does this view affect moral behavior?
A Different Perspective

Human concepts may limit divine understanding.

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