Authority Quote by Philip Pullman
“Lord, if I thought you were listening, I'd pray for this above all: that any church set up in your name should remain poor, and powerless, and modest. That it should wield no authority except that of love. That it should never cast anyone out. That it should own no property and make no laws. That it should not condemn, but only forgive.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Book of Dust, Philip Pullman, 2017
A prayer for a church that embodies humility, love, and forgiveness without power or wealth.
In simple terms: A humble, loving church without authority.
Support compassion over control.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- church reform
- social activism
- interfaith dialogue
- personal spirituality
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How can religious institutions embody true humility?
- What challenges arise when rejecting material power?
Implementing such ideals may clash with institutional structures.