Another world Quote by Alexander Schmemann
““In order to console himself, man created a dream of another world where there is no death, and for that dream he forfeited *this* world, gave it up decidedly to death. Therefore, the most important and most profound question of the Christian faith must be, How and from where did death arise, and why has it become stronger than life? Why has it become so powerful that the world itself has become a kind of cosmic cemetery, a place where a collection of people condemned to death live either in fear or terror, or in their efforts to forget about death find themselves rushing around one great, big burial plot?””
About This Quote
Source Sermon: The Mystery of Death, Alexander Schmemann, 1975
Humanity creates an imagined afterlife, abandoning the present world, leading to a profound question about death’s origin and power.
In simple terms: People escape reality by dreaming of another world, ignoring death’s role.
Key Takeaway
Confront death rather than flee.
Themes
death
faith
existence
Mood
somber
thoughtful
Type
theological
philosophical
When to use this quote
- counseling
- spiritual guidance
- philosophical inquiry
Key Concepts
theology
existential angst
Questions to Reflect On
- What does death teach us about life?
- How can we find meaning without escapism?
A Different Perspective
Denial can hinder living fully in the present.
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