--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Such a view of the divine will drives…" description: "\"“Such a view of the divine will drives human weakness to despair and one wonders if it is not, itself, often the expression of a despair too intolerabl..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/17d/thomas-merton-231_parenting_such-a-view-of-the-divine-will-drives-hu_202409.jpg" --- # Such a view of the divine will drives human weakness to… ![“Such a view of the divine will drives human weakness to despair and one wonders if it is not, itself, often the expression of a despair too intolerable to be admitted to conscious consideration. These arbitrary “dictates” of a domineering and insensible Father are more often seeds of hatred than…” quote by Thomas Merton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/17d/thomas-merton-231_parenting_such-a-view-of-the-divine-will-drives-hu_202409.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/17d/thomas-merton-231_parenting_such-a-view-of-the-divine-will-drives-hu_202409.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/17d/thomas-merton-231_parenting_such-a-view-of-the-divine-will-drives-hu_202409.jpg) > ““Such a view of the divine will drives human weakness to despair and one wonders if it is not, itself, often the expression of a despair too intolerable to be admitted to conscious consideration. These arbitrary “dictates” of a domineering and insensible Father are more often seeds of hatred than of love. If that is our concept of the will of God, we cannot possibly seek the obscure and intimate mystery of the encounter that takes place in contemplation. We will desire only to fly as far as possible from Him and hide from His Face forever.”” [Thomas Merton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-merton/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Viewing divinity as a dictatorial force leads to despair and hatred, blocking true intimate contemplation of God. **In simple terms:** Seeing God as oppressive creates fear and distance. Key Takeaway Seek personal, loving relationship with the divine. Themes spirituality theology human weakness despair contemplation Mood reflective somber hopeful Type spiritual philosophical When to use this quote - prayer - meditation - spiritual counseling - personal reflection - theological study Key Concepts divine will faith intimacy religious experience Questions to Reflect On - How does fear of divine judgment affect faith? - What practices foster intimate divine encounter? 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