--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: We give God a name. We then equate God…" description: "\"“We give God a name. We then equate God with the name we have given him, and in doing so we make ourselves, in effect, God’s God. Instead of acknowledg..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/a4b/james-finley-33778_god_we-give-god-a-name-we-then-equate-god-wi_141354.jpg" --- # We give God a name. We then equate God with the name we… ![“We give God a name. We then equate God with the name we have given him, and in doing so we make ourselves, in effect, God’s God. Instead of acknowledging God as the source of our identity and existence, we make ourselves the self-proclaimed source of God’s identity. God then becomes the one made…” quote by James Finley](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/a4b/james-finley-33778_god_we-give-god-a-name-we-then-equate-god-wi_141354.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/a4b/james-finley-33778_god_we-give-god-a-name-we-then-equate-god-wi_141354.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/a4b/james-finley-33778_god_we-give-god-a-name-we-then-equate-god-wi_141354.jpg) > ““We give God a name. We then equate God with the name we have given him, and in doing so we make ourselves, in effect, God’s God. Instead of acknowledging God as the source of our identity and existence, we make ourselves the self-proclaimed source of God’s identity. God then becomes the one made in our image and likeness. Those engaged in the undertaking of naming God see themselves as participating in a holy work. They are the God-definers, the definition makers.”” [James Finley](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/james-finley/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. The quote argues that naming God projects human identity onto the divine, turning us into creators of God’s image rather than recognizing God as the source of our existence. **In simple terms:** Naming God makes us define Him, reversing true source of identity. Key Takeaway Recognize God as the source, not a projection of self. Themes theology identity humility anthropomorphism Mood reflective contemplative critical Type theological philosophical critical When to use this quote - religious practice - personal meditation - interfaith dialogue - leadership - creative expression Key Concepts Divine ontology self‑definition spiritual authority Questions to Reflect On - How does naming affect your perception of the divine? - Can humility coexist with personal spiritual authority? A Different Perspective It can overlook the mystery of the divine and reduce spirituality to ego. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [God](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/god/) ## Related quotes > [The argument is made that naming God is never really naming God but only naming our understanding of God. 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