Being Quote by Karen Armstrong
“Well, the idea of God as a supreme being means that he is simply like us, writ large, and just bigger and better, the end product of the series; whereas this divine personality that we meet in the Bible was, for centuries, regarded simply as a symbol of a greater transcendence that lay beyond it.”
About This Quote
Source Book: A History of God by Karen Armstrong, 1993
The quote contrasts two views: a literal, anthropomorphic God versus a symbolic, transcendent concept that evolved over centuries.
In simple terms: God can be seen as a big person or a deeper symbol.
Key Takeaway
Recognize the layers behind religious ideas.
Themes
theology
interpretation
history
philosophy
culture
Mood
thoughtful
inquisitive
Type
analytical
educational
When to use this quote
- academic study
- interfaith dialogue
- personal reflection
- teaching religion
Key Concepts
anthropomorphism
symbolism
transcendence
evolution of belief
Questions to Reflect On
- How does seeing God as a symbol change your spirituality?
- What benefits arise from viewing divine narratives metaphorically?
A Different Perspective
Some may argue the literal view remains valid for faith practice.
