Adults Quote by John Shelby Spong
“Prayer is not adult letters written to Santa Claus, and God is not some parent-like figure up in the sky who's going to take care of us.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The New Testament and the People of God, John Shelby Spong, 2005
Spirituality need not be childlike petitions nor a distant paternal deity; it can be personal and relational.
In simple terms: Faith can be personal, not just childlike prayers.
Key Takeaway
Seek a mature, personal connection with the divine.
Themes
faith
spirituality
personal growth
Mood
reflective
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- personal prayer
- religious doubt
- spiritual counseling
- community worship
Key Concepts
theology
existentialism
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you define your relationship with the divine?
- What does mature faith look like for you?
A Different Perspective
Some may find comfort in traditional images of God.
![“I know Jerry [Falwell] fairly well, and he's probably not bright enough to recognize all of the implications of what he said.” quote by John Shelby Spong](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/654/john-shelby-spong-1488_enough_i-know-jerry-falwell-fairly-well-and-he_109485.jpg)
![“I find it fascinating that Paul [the apostol], writing to the Galatians, responds to the question, "What does it mean to live in Christ?" by saying, "There is no longer Jew or Greek, there is no longer slave or free, there is no longer male and female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus."” quote by John Shelby Spong](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/48e/john-shelby-spong-1488_christ_i-find-it-fascinating-that-paul-the-apos_119928.jpg)
![“He [an earnest young reporter] seemed to share the view of many intelligent, well-educated, well-meaning people that, while adult literature may aim to be art, the object of children's books is to whip the little rascals into shape.” quote by Katherine Paterson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/2cf/katherine-paterson-2365_adults_he-an-earnest-young-reporter-seemed-to-s_6101.jpg)
