Arguing Quote by George Arthur Buttrick
“For a man to argue, 'I don't go to church; I pray alone,' is no wiser than if he should say, 'I have no use for symphonies; I believe only in solo music.'”
About This Quote
Source Sermon: "The Value of Community Worship", 1965
Argues that rejecting communal worship for solitary prayer is as limiting as dismissing orchestral music for solo pieces.
In simple terms: Both solitary and communal practices have value.
Key Takeaway
Balance personal and communal spiritual practices.
Themes
faith
community
music
Mood
thoughtful
inquisitive
Type
theological
philosophical
When to use this quote
- church attendance
- private prayer
- musical appreciation
Key Concepts
theology
cultural criticism
Questions to Reflect On
- Do you find meaning in both solo and group worship?
- Can music serve as a bridge between individual and collective experience?
A Different Perspective
The analogy may oversimplify complex theological views.
