Catholicism Quote by Alister E. McGrath
““From the outset, Protestantism rejected the critical medieval distinction between the 'sacred' and 'secular' orders. While this position can easily be interpreted as a claim for the desacralization of the sacred, it can equally well be understood as a claim for the sacralization of the secular. As early as 1520, Luther had laid the fundamental conceptual foundations for created sacred space within the secular. His doctrine of the 'priesthood of all believers' asserted that there is no genuine difference of status between the 'spiritual' and the 'temporal' order. All Christians are called to be priests - and can exercise that calling within the everyday world. The idea of 'calling' was fundamentally redefined: no longer was it about being called to serve God by leaving the world; it was now about serving God in the world.””
About This Quote
Source Book: Christian Theology: An Introduction, 2010
Protestantism blurs the line between sacred and secular, urging believers to serve God within everyday life.
In simple terms: Faith is practiced in daily work, not separate from it.
Key Takeaway
Live your beliefs through ordinary actions.
Themes
faith
secularism
calling
service
Mood
inspirational
thoughtful
Type
theological
practical
When to use this quote
- workplace
- family life
- community service
- political engagement
Key Concepts
theology
priesthood of all believers
sacralization
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you integrate belief into daily tasks?
- What boundaries, exist between sacred and secular?
A Different Perspective
It may underplay the need for distinct sacred spaces for worship.
