Agency Quote by Alfred North Whitehead
“The essence of Christianity is the appeal to the life of Christ as a revelation of the nature of God and of God's agency in the world. The record is fragmentary, inconsistent, and uncertain. . . . But there can be no doubt as to what elements in the record have evoked a response from all that is best in human nature. The Mother, the Child, and the bare manger: the lowly man, homeless and self-forgetful, with his message of peace, love, and sympathy: the suffering, the agony, the tender words as life ebbed, the final despair: and the whole with the authority of supreme victory.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Process and Reality by Alfred North Whitehead, 1929
The quote describes Christianity as revealing God's nature through Christ's life, acknowledging fragmented records yet highlighting its universal moral impact.
In simple terms: Christianity shows God's nature via Christ, despite imperfect records.
Key Takeaway
Recognize the moral core beyond historical uncertainty.
Themes
faith
theology
human nature
morality
spirituality
Mood
reflective
inspirational
Type
theological
philosophical
When to use this quote
- personal reflection
- interfaith dialogue
- teaching ethics
- writing sermons
- academic study
Key Concepts
Revelation
agency
symbolism
narrative
ethical impact
Questions to Reflect On
- How does the moral message persist despite textual gaps?
- What aspects of Christ’s life most inspire ethical behavior?
A Different Perspective
Historical gaps can limit precise doctrine formation.
![“Faith in the real annihilation of the world - … a world antagonistic to the wishes of the Christian is therefore a phenomenon belonging to the inmost essence of Christianity[.]” quote by Ludwig Feuerbach](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/6c3/ludwig-feuerbach-3406_apocalyptic_faith-in-the-real-annihilation-of-the-wo_1548207.jpg)
![“We have no clear ideas of the agency of [demonic] spirits, nor is it necessary. The Scripture says little to satisfy our curiosity; but tells us plainly that he is always watching us, and desiring to sift us as wheat. I believe we give him no more than his due, when we charge him with having a…” quote by John Newton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/c75/john-newton-6629_abundance_we-have-no-clear-ideas-of-the-agency-of_2907.jpg)
