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In the fall of 1988, I worshipped God in a Buddhist…

“In the fall of 1988, I worshipped God in a Buddhist temple. As the smell of incense filled the air, I knelt before three images of the Buddha, feeling that the smoke could carry my prayers heavenward. It was for me a holy moment for I was certain that I was kneeling on holy ground…I will not make…” quote by John Shelby Spong
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“In the fall of 1988, I worshipped God in a Buddhist temple. As the smell of incense filled the air, I knelt before three images of the Buddha, feeling that the smoke could carry my prayers heavenward. It was for me a holy moment for I was certain that I was kneeling on holy ground…I will not make any further attempt to convert the Buddhist, the Jew, the Hindu or the Moslem. I am content to learn from them and to walk with them side by side toward the God who lives, I believe, beyond the images that bind and blind us.”

John Shelby Spong

About This Quote

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

Shares a personal interfaith experience, emphasizing learning from diverse religions while maintaining belief in a transcendent God beyond images.

In simple terms: Learn from all faiths, seeing God beyond symbols.

Key Takeaway

Embrace interfaith respect and unity.

Themes

faith interfaith spirituality

Mood

reflective inspirational

Type

theological philosophical

When to use this quote

  • interfaith dialogues
  • community building
  • personal reflection

Key Concepts

pluralism transcendence humility

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can we honor differences while seeking common ground?
  • What practices foster mutual respect?
A Different Perspective

Religious exclusivity can hinder unity.

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