Children Quote by Ronald Rolheiser
“To be connected with the church is to be associated with scoundrels, warmongers, fakes, child-molesters, murderers, adulterers, and hypocrites of every description. It also, at the same time, identifies you with saints and the finest persons of heroic soul within every time, country, race, and gender. To be a member of the church is to carry the mantle of both the worst sin and the finest heroism of soul . . . because the church always looks exactly as it looked at the original crucifixion, God hung among thieves.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Mystery of the Cross by Ronald Rolheiser, 2005
The church embodies both profound sin and great virtue, reflecting humanity’s dual capacity for evil and heroism, as symbolized by Christ among thieves.
In simple terms: Church shows both bad and good in people.
Key Takeaway
Recognize the complexity of religious communities.
Themes
faith
morality
duality
human nature
spirituality
Mood
contemplative
critical
hopeful
Type
analytical
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- personal reflection
- interfaith dialogue
- community service
- social justice
- historical analysis
Key Concepts
theology
symbolism
ethical paradox
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you reconcile the church’s flaws with its virtues?
- Can institutions be both corrupt and holy?
A Different Perspective
The statement may overgeneralize and ignore individual differences within congregations.
