--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Christianity in the West, opens up a…" description: "\"Christianity in the West, opens up a perspective of depth into what it means to be a self. And that depth of the self is something that is experienced ..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/5f0/simon-critchley-11984_augustine_christianity-in-the-west-opens-up-a-pers_1416053.jpg" --- # Christianity in the West, opens up a perspective of depth… ![“Christianity in the West, opens up a perspective of depth into what it means to be a self. And that depth of the self is something that is experienced in the sight of God. So that the great thinkers of self and subjectivity are Paul and Augustine. They look at the self from the perspective of God…” quote by Simon Critchley](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/5f0/simon-critchley-11984_augustine_christianity-in-the-west-opens-up-a-pers_1416053.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/5f0/simon-critchley-11984_augustine_christianity-in-the-west-opens-up-a-pers_1416053.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/5f0/simon-critchley-11984_augustine_christianity-in-the-west-opens-up-a-pers_1416053.jpg) > “Christianity in the West, opens up a perspective of depth into what it means to be a self. And that depth of the self is something that is experienced in the sight of God. So that the great thinkers of self and subjectivity are Paul and Augustine. They look at the self from the perspective of God and they find themselves wretched and interesting. Constituted by conflictual desires.” [Simon Critchley](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/simon-critchley/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. He argues that Western Christianity frames the self through God, revealing conflictual desires and both wretchedness and interest. **In simple terms:** God shapes self‑understanding, exposing inner conflict. Key Takeaway Consider divine perspective on self. Themes theology philosophy identity conflict desire Mood analytical thoughtful Type philosophical theological When to use this quote - Personal reflection - academic study - spiritual practice Key Concepts Subjectivity divine gaze Questions to Reflect On - How does God influence self‑view? - What conflicts arise from desire? A Different Perspective May overlook secular self‑concepts. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Augustine](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/augustine/) [Christianity](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/christianity/) [Depth](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/depth/) [Desire](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/desire/) [Great thinkers](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/great-thinkers/) [Identity](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/identity/) [Perspective](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/perspective/) [Self](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/self/) [Subjectivity](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/subjectivity/) [Thinker](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/thinker/) ## Related quotes > [The state of emotional intoxication allows one to grasp existence in one's self and in the other, as both subjectivity and passivity. 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