Abstract Quote by Frank Moore Cross
“If I had to choose between the two ways of approaching the deity, I should prefer the existential relational way, to the abstract philosophical way. I think it is truer, or in any case, less misleading, to say that God is an old Jew with a white beard whom I love, than to say that God is the ground of being and meaning, or to say that God is a name denoting the ultimate mystery. I prefer the bold primitive colors of the Biblical way of describing God.”
About This Quote
The speaker argues that a personal, relational image of God is more authentic and less deceptive than abstract, philosophical conceptions, favoring concrete, biblical depictions over vague metaphysics.
In simple terms: Prefers concrete, relational God over abstract ideas.
Key Takeaway
Concrete imagery grounds belief.
Themes
theology
philosophy
religion
metaphor
personalism
Mood
reflective
introspective
devotional
Type
theological reflection
personal testimony
biblical interpretation
When to use this quote
- personal prayer
- interfaith dialogue
- religious education
- theological debate
- spiritual counseling
Key Concepts
God as person
abstract vs concrete
Biblical narrative
Practical Applications
- designing relatable worship materials
- crafting sermons that humanize divine concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How does personalizing the divine affect faith practice?
- Can abstract concepts coexist with relational imagery?
A Different Perspective
Some argue that abstract theology captures the ineffable nature of the divine better than anthropomorphic images.
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![“[T]here are, at bottom, basically two ways to order social affairs, Coercively, through the mechanisms of the state - what we can call political society. And voluntarily, through the private interaction of individuals and associations - what we can call civil society. ... In a civil society, you…” quote by Ed Crane](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/b8b/ed-crane-39299_affair_t-here-are-at-bottom-basically-two-ways_34431.jpg)
![“[Sacrifice of Isaac] is a major theme of the so-called Elohist [one authorial strand in the Pentateuch]. It is marked by all of his linguistic characteristics, and so on. We cannot determine what is historical and what isn't. As literary critics, we would understand the importance of this for…” quote by Frank Moore Cross](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/7b3/frank-moore-cross-14963_characteristics_sacrifice-of-isaac-is-a-major-theme-of-t_309064.jpg)
![“[The story of Adam and Eve] it's poetry. One must interpret it as poetry. The first 11 chapters of Genesis [the Primeval History] are absolutely remarkable.” quote by Frank Moore Cross](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/2f9/frank-moore-cross-14963_adam_the-story-of-adam-and-eve-it-s-poetry-on_634404.jpg)
![“Elie [Wiesel], when you ask, "Why do I want to know," I'm trying to grab the holy. And I'm getting thrown back.” quote by Frank Moore Cross](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/952/frank-moore-cross-14963_asks_elie-wiesel-when-you-ask-why-do-i-want-t_690408.jpg)
![“The history of interpretation [of the Bible] is fascinating; but that is something else.” quote by Frank Moore Cross](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/946/frank-moore-cross-14963_bible_the-history-of-interpretation-of-the-bib_729883.jpg)
![“You have miracles [in the Hebrew Bible], yes, but they're not the work, normally, of demons.” quote by Frank Moore Cross](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/aa8/frank-moore-cross-14963_demon_you-have-miracles-in-the-hebrew-bible-ye_866697.jpg)
![“I guess what this is reflecting is my own search for answers that I can't find. Frank [Moore Cross] and I have examined a lot of archaeological materials in the hope of finding out.” quote by Frank Moore Cross](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/db4/frank-moore-cross-14963_answers_i-guess-what-this-is-reflecting-is-my-ow_1012193.jpg)
