Building Quote by John Owen
“The new goddess contingency could not be erected until the God of heaven was utterly despoiled of his dominion over the sons of men, and in the room thereof a home-bred idol of self-sufficiency set up, and the world persuaded to worship it. But that the building climb no higher, let all men observe how the word of God overthrows this babylonian tower.”
About This Quote
Source Sermon: The Divine Authority, 1650, discussing idolatry and divine supremacy
Human attempts to replace divine authority with self‑reliance are futile and will be overturned.
In simple terms: Human pride fails against God.
Key Takeaway
Beware of self‑idolatry.
Themes
faith
pride
divine power
Mood
cautionary
theological
Type
spiritual
ethical
When to use this quote
- political leadership
- corporate culture
- personal ambition
Key Concepts
theology
hubris
spiritual humility
Questions to Reflect On
- What modern 'idols' challenge divine authority?
- How can humility coexist with ambition?
A Different Perspective
Overlooks positive aspects of human agency and progress.
![“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)
