Blind Quote by Cornelius Van Til
“So, as we have our tea, I propose not only to operate on your heart so as to change your will, but also on your eyes so as to change your outlook. But wait a minute. No, I do not propose to operate at all. I myself cannot do anything of the sort. I am just mildly suggesting that you are perhaps dead, and perhaps blind, leaving you to think the matter over for yourself. If an operation is to be performed it must be performed by God Himself.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Unknown, possibly a theological lecture, 20th century
He suggests that only divine intervention can truly change a person’s heart and perception, not human effort.
In simple terms: Only God can truly change core beliefs and outlook.
Key Takeaway
Seek spiritual transformation, not just self‑help.
Themes
theology
personal change
divine agency
Mood
contemplative
serious
Type
philosophical
theological
When to use this quote
- personal crisis
- spiritual counseling
- ethical decision making
Key Concepts
free will
spiritual transformation
human limitation
Questions to Reflect On
- Can you identify areas where you rely on yourself versus seeking higher help?
- What does “dead and blind” symbolize for you?
A Different Perspective
Human attempts may be futile without divine guidance.
![“He [Christ] came to bring peace, to be sure, but the peace that He came to bring must be built upon the complete destruction of the power of darkness.” quote by Cornelius Van Til](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/e9a/cornelius-van-til-30277_built_he-christ-came-to-bring-peace-to-be-sure_557644.jpg)
![“[The intellect of fallen man] may be compared to a buzz-saw that is sharp and shining, ready to cut the boards that come to it. Let us say that a carpenter wishes to cut fifty boards for the purpose of laying the floor of a house. He has marked his boards. He has set his saw. He begins at one end…” quote by Cornelius Van Til](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/a17/cornelius-van-til-30277_first-contact_the-intellect-of-fallen-man-may-be-compa_1082632.jpg)
