Achievement Quote by Karl Barth
“Faith is not an art. Faith is not an achievement. Faith is not a good work of which some may boast while others can excuse themselves with a shrug of the shoulders for not being capable of it. It is a decisive insight of faith itself that all of us are incapable of faith in ourselves, whether we think of its preparation, beginning, continuation, or completion.”
About This Quote
Source Theology: Church Dogmatics, Volume 2, 1932
Faith is not a skill or achievement; it is an inherent limitation of human self‑reliance, revealing our need for divine grace.
In simple terms: Faith isn’t something we earn.
Key Takeaway
Rely on grace, not self‑confidence.
Themes
faith
humility
grace
Mood
contemplative
solemn
Type
philosophical
spiritual
When to use this quote
- personal crisis
- spiritual counseling
- ethical decision making
- community worship
Key Concepts
theology
existentialism
Questions to Reflect On
- What does humility mean for your belief?
- How can you experience grace beyond effort?
A Different Perspective
Faith can feel impossible without acknowledging human frailty.
