A doctrine like that of the Trinity tells us that the very…
““A doctrine like that of the Trinity tells us that the very life of God is a yielding or giving-over into the life of an Other, a 'negation' in the sense of refusing to settle for the idea that normative life or personal identity is to be conceived in terms of self-enclosed and self-sufficient units. The negative is associated with the 'ek-static', the discovery of identity in self-transcending relation. And accordingly, theology itself has to speak in a mode that encourages us to question ourselves, to deny ourselves, in the sense of denying systems and concepts that are the comfortable possession of individual minds.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Divine self‑giving means identity forms through relational self‑transcendence, not isolated self‑sufficiency.
In simple terms: Identity grows by giving to others, not by being self‑contained.
Key Takeaway
Cultivate relational humility.
Themes
theology
identity
self‑transcendence
humility
Mood
contemplative
serious
Type
philosophical
theological
When to use this quote
- spiritual counseling
- community building
- personal growth
- academic study
Key Concepts
philosophy
religion
ethics
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you balance self‑care with self‑giving?
- What relations shape your identity?
A Different Perspective
Self‑denial can lead to loss of self‑care if unbalanced.