Christian Quote by Robert H. Schuller
“The classical error of historical Christianity is that we have never started with the value of the person. Rather, we have started from the 'unworthiness of the sinner,' and that starting point has set the stage for the glorification of human shame in Christian theology.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Power of Positive Thinking, 1952
Christian theology often begins by labeling people as unworthy, which elevates shame rather than human dignity.
In simple terms: Starting with shame devalues people.
Key Takeaway
Recenter on inherent worth.
Themes
theology
human dignity
shame
ethics
Mood
reflective
critical
Type
theological
philosophical
When to use this quote
- pastoral counseling
- church teaching
- personal reflection
- social justice
- community building
Key Concepts
Christian doctrine
anthropology
moral psychology
Questions to Reflect On
- How does focusing on worth change moral teaching?
- Can shame be a useful motivator?
A Different Perspective
Some argue that sin concepts is essential for moral accountability.
![“I came to feel a certain kind of shame at the aquarium […] [T]here was a shame in being human: the shame of knowing that twenty of the roughly thirty-five classified species of sea horse worldwide are threatened with extinction because they are killed "unintentionally" in seafood production. The…” quote by Jonathan Safran Foer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/98a/jonathan-safran-foer-136_shame_i-came-to-feel-a-certain-kind-of-shame-a_1483890.jpg)
