Figures of speech Quote by Richard Holloway
““All theology is a doomed but necessary attempt to express the inexpressible. God is the elusive mystery we try to capture and convey in language, but how can that ever be done? If the word water is not itself drinkable, how can the words we use to express the mystery of God be themselves absolute? They are metaphors, analogies, figures of speech, yet religious people have slaughtered and condemned each other over these experimental uncertainties. Our glory and agony as humans is that we long to find words that will no longer be words, mere signifiers, but the very experience they are trying to signify; and our tragedy is that we never succeed. This is the anguish that lies at the heart of all religion, because, though our words can describe our thirst for the absolute, they can never satisfy it.””
About This Quote
Source Interview: BBC Radio 4, "The Nature of Faith", 2014
Religion tries to describe the divine with language, but language is inherently limited, leading to endless reinterpretation and conflict.
In simple terms: Words can’t fully capture the divine, causing conflict.
Key Takeaway
Accept mystery while seeking meaning.
Themes
theology
language
mystery
conflict
philosophy
Mood
contemplative
poignant
Type
theological
philosophical
When to use this quote
- Personal meditation
- interfaith dialogue
- theological education
- creative writing
Key Concepts
Semiotics
ineffability
religious pluralism
Questions to Reflect On
- What role does mystery play in personal faith?
- Can art convey what language cannot?
A Different Perspective
Some find comfort in concrete doctrines despite limits.
