God exists Quote by John D. Zizioulas
““The Church is not simply an institution. She is a 'mode of existence,' *a way of being*. The mystery of the Church is deeply bound to the being of man, to the being of the world and to the very being of God. Ecclesial being is bound to the very being of God. From the fact that a human being is a member of the Church, he becomes [participates as/in] an 'image of God', he exists as God Himself exists, takes on God's *way of being*. This way of being is not a moral attainment, something that man *accomplishes*. It is a way of *relationship* with the world, with other people and with God, as an event of *communion*, and that is why it cannot be realized as the achievement of an *individual*, but only as an *ecclesial* fact. However, for the Church to present this way of existence, she must herself be an image of the way in which God exists. Her entire structure, her ministries etc. must express this way of existence.””
About This Quote
Source Book: Ecclesiology in the Modern World, John D. Zizioulas, 1995
The Church is a mode of existence, a relational reality that mirrors God's being, not an institution to be achieved individually.
In simple terms: The Church is a way of being that reflects God's existence through community.
Key Takeaway
Live the Church as a communal relationship, not a personal achievement.
Themes
ecclesiology
community
relationship
theology
Mood
reflective
hopeful
Type
theological
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- worship gatherings
- pastoral care
- interfaith dialogue
- social justice initiatives
Key Concepts
ontological communion
participation
incarnation
Questions to Reflect On
- How does communal identity shape personal spirituality?
- What barriers prevent the Church from being a true image of God?
A Different Perspective
It may be difficult to embody this communal identity in cultures that emphasize individualism.
