Absolute Quote by Robert Thurman
“You can't relate to an absolute or it wouldn't be absolute, it would be relative. On an intellectual level, that's easy. However, you hear theologians in the theistic traditions talk about absolute God, and I saw God, or God spoke; speaking, being seen, these are all relational things. So what is absolute about such a being, wouldn't actually be absolute.”
About This Quote
The speaker contends that absolute concepts become relative when considered relationally, especially regarding theological claims about an absolute God.
In simple terms: Absolute ideas turn relative when tied to relationships.
Key Takeaway
Question the absoluteness of relational claims.
Themes
philosophy
theology
relativism
Mood
analytical
contemplative
Type
philosophical
theological
When to use this quote
- academic debate
- personal belief
- interfaith dialogue
Key Concepts
ontology
epistemology
faith traditions
Questions to Reflect On
- Can an absolute be relational?
- What defines absoluteness?
A Different Perspective
May dismiss the possibility of absolute truth in faith.
![“In the worldly life, due to maadakta (intoxication of the ego of ‘I am Chandubhai’), one has completely lost awareness of everything about one’s self. Everything in the worldly life is nothing but intoxication. The food is intoxicating, the senses are intoxicating. [Therefore] Go to the one, who…” quote by Dada Bhagwan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/2b3/dada-bhagwan-31_absolute_in-the-worldly-life-due-to-maadakta-into_3662.jpg)
