Christ Quote by James K.A. Smith
““It is precisely this refusal of the Cartesian paradigm that characterizes Radical Orthodoxy, which seeks to reanimate the account of knowledge offered by Augustine and Aquinas. On this ancient-medieval-properly-postmodern model, we rightly give up pretensions to absolute knowledge or certainty, but we do not thereby give up on knowledge altogether. Rather, we can properly confess that we know God was in Christ reconciling the world to himself, but such knowledge rests on the gift of (particular, special) revelation, is not universally objective or demonstrable, and remains a matter of interpretation and perspective (with a significant appreciation for the role of the Spirit's regeneration and illumination as a condition for knowledge). We confess knowledge without certainty, truth without objectivity.””
About This Quote
Source Book: Radical Orthodoxy, 2011
It argues that knowledge can be rooted in divine revelation and interpretation rather than absolute certainty.
In simple terms: Knowledge can be faith‑based, not purely objective.
Key Takeaway
Embrace humility in what you claim to know.
Themes
theology
epistemology
humility
Mood
reflective
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
theological
When to use this quote
- Academic theology
- personal faith discussions
- interfaith dialogues
Key Concepts
Revelation
interpretation
subjectivity
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you balance faith and reason?
- What role does interpretation play in your convictions?
A Different Perspective
May overlook empirical evidence in favor of belief.
![“True knowledge is [that which consists in] the doctrine of the apostles, and the ancient constitution of the Church throughout all the world, and the distinctive manifestation of the body of Christ according to the successions of the bishops, by which they have handed down that Church which exists…” quote by The Church Fathers](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/172/the-church-fathers-1438_bible_true-knowledge-is-that-which-consists-in_1259489.jpg)
![“T]he church is not a place. It's not a building. It's not a preaching point. It's not a spiritual service provider. It's a people - the new covenant, blood-bought people of God. That's why Paul said, 'Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her' (Eph. 5:25). He didn't give himself up for a…” quote by Mark Dever](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/7a4/mark-dever-3175_blood_t-he-church-is-not-a-place-it-s-not-a-bu_3297.jpg)
