Agency Quote by James Martineau
“God is infinite; and the laws of nature, like nature itself, are finite. These methods of working, therefore, - which correspond to the physical element in us, - do not exhaust His agency. There is a boundless residue of disengaged energy beyond.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: The Nature of God, 1860
Divine power is limitless, while natural laws are bounded; there remains an unexhausted spiritual energy.
In simple terms: God is boundless, nature is limited.
Key Takeaway
Recognize the mystery beyond physical limits.
Themes
theology
philosophy
spirituality
Mood
awe
inspired
Type
theological
reflective
When to use this quote
- religious contemplation
- theological study
- spiritual practice
Key Concepts
metaphysics
infinite agency
Questions to Reflect On
- What lies beyond observable laws?
- How does this view affect faith?
A Different Perspective
Human understanding may never fully grasp divine mystery.
![“For the religious, passivism [i.e., objects are obedient to the laws of nature] provides a clear role of God as the author of the laws of nature. If the laws of nature are God's commands for an essentially passive world ..., God also has the power to suspend the laws of nature, and so perform…” quote by Brian Ellis](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/ea9/brian-ellis-75025_clear_for-the-religious-passivism-i-e-objects_131744.jpg)
![“We have no clear ideas of the agency of [demonic] spirits, nor is it necessary. The Scripture says little to satisfy our curiosity; but tells us plainly that he is always watching us, and desiring to sift us as wheat. I believe we give him no more than his due, when we charge him with having a…” quote by John Newton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/c75/john-newton-6629_abundance_we-have-no-clear-ideas-of-the-agency-of_2907.jpg)
