Dreams Quote by James W. Fowler
““When we are grasped by the vision of a center of value and power more luminous, more inclusive and more true than that to which we are devoted, we initially experience the new as the enemy or the slayer - that which destroys our "god." Alfred North Whitehead wrote, "Religion is the transition from God the Void to God the Enemy, and from God the Enemy to God the Companion." Only with death of our previous image can a new and more adequate one arise.””
About This Quote
Source Book: A Guide to the Stages of Faith, James W. Fowler, 1995
When a new, more compelling vision appears, it threatens existing beliefs, prompting resistance before a transformative shift can occur.
In simple terms: New ideas can feel threatening to old beliefs.
Key Takeaway
Embrace openness to evolving perspectives.
Themes
faith
change
identity
transformation
Mood
reflective
hopeful
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- personal growth
- organizational change
- cultural shifts
- spiritual counseling
Key Concepts
Whitehead's philosophy
spiritual development
cognitive dissonance
Questions to Reflect On
- How do we balance respect for tradition with openness to new ideas?
- What practices help ease the transition to new belief systems?
A Different Perspective
Resistance may cause conflict before integration.
