Skip to content

It is only the infinite mercy and love of God that has…

“It is only the infinite mercy and love of God that has prevented us from tearing ourselves to pieces and destroying His entire creation long ago. People seem to think that it is in some way a proof that no merciful God exists, if we have so many wars. On the contrary, consider how in spite of…” quote by Thomas Merton
Download Open image
““It is only the infinite mercy and love of God that has prevented us from tearing ourselves to pieces and destroying His entire creation long ago. People seem to think that it is in some way a proof that no merciful God exists, if we have so many wars. On the contrary, consider how in spite of centuries of sin and greed and lust and cruelty and hatred and avarice and oppression and injustice, spawned and bred by the free wills of men, the human race can still recover, each time, and can still produce man and women who overcome evil with good, hatred with love, greed with charity, lust and cruelty with sanctity. How could all this be possible without the merciful love of God, pouring out His grace upon us? Can there be any doubt where wars come from and where peace comes from, when the children of this world, excluding God from their peace conferences, only manage to bring about greater and greater wars the more they talk about peace?””

Thomas Merton

About This Quote

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

Humanity’s survival despite endless conflict suggests divine mercy continuously restores goodness.

In simple terms: God’s love keeps humanity from total ruin.

Key Takeaway

Recognize grace in perseverance.

Themes

faith war humanity redemption hope

Mood

reflective hopeful

Type

theological philosophical

When to use this quote

  • war zones
  • peace negotiations
  • personal crises
  • community rebuilding

Key Concepts

theology grace free will moral resilience

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does belief in mercy influence actions?
  • Can we foster peace without invoking the divine?
A Different Perspective

Human agency also shapes outcomes, not only divine intervention.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Thomas Merton

Explore all 851 Thomas Merton quotes

More Compassion quotes

Browse all 9,892 Compassion quotes