--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: There is “no such thing” as God because…" description: "\"“There is “no such thing” as God because God is neither a “what” nor a “thing” but a pure “Who.”* He is the “Thou” before whom our inmost “I” springs i..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/a61/thomas-merton-231_quote_there-is-no-such-thing-as-god-because-go_900182.jpg" --- # There is “no such thing” as God because God is neither a… ![“There is “no such thing” as God because God is neither a “what” nor a “thing” but a pure “Who.”* He is the “Thou” before whom our inmost “I” springs into awareness. He is the I Am before whom with our own most personal and inalienable voice we echo “I am.” quote by Thomas Merton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/a61/thomas-merton-231_quote_there-is-no-such-thing-as-god-because-go_900182.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/a61/thomas-merton-231_quote_there-is-no-such-thing-as-god-because-go_900182.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/a61/thomas-merton-231_quote_there-is-no-such-thing-as-god-because-go_900182.jpg) > ““There is “no such thing” as God because God is neither a “what” nor a “thing” but a pure “Who.”\* He is the “Thou” before whom our inmost “I” springs into awareness. He is the I Am before whom with our own most personal and inalienable voice we echo “I am.”” [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. Divine identity is beyond objectification; it is a relational presence that awakens personal consciousness. **In simple terms:** God is a relational presence, not a thing. Key Takeaway Recognize the personal encounter with the divine. Themes spirituality identity consciousness Mood reverent introspective Type philosophical spiritual When to use this quote - meditation - prayer - self‑reflection - creative expression Key Concepts theology existentialism personalism Questions to Reflect On - How does recognizing God as a 'Who' change your self‑understanding? - What practices help you experience this relational presence? A Different Perspective The concept may be inaccessible to those seeking concrete definitions. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet ## Related quotes > [If what I think is God should come down today and says "I'm God, or the thing you call God, and you're never going…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/peter-stormare/if-what-i-think-is-god-should-come-down-today-and-says-i-m-god-or-the/) [Peter Stormare](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/peter-stormare/) > [“Adversity is not a bad thing~It's a God thing!”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/prophetess-dina-rolle/adversity-is-not-a-bad-thing-it-s-a-god-thing/) Prophetess Dina Rolle > [“  Bear with me then, if lawful what I ask;   Love not the heav'nly Spirits, and how thir Love   Express they, by looks onely, or…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-milton/bear-with-me-then-if-lawful-what-i-ask-love-not-the-heav-nly-spirits/) [John Milton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-milton/) > [God can not be for, and against the same thing at the same time.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/abraham-lincoln/god-can-not-be-for-and-against-the-same-thing-at-the-same-time/) [Abraham Lincoln](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/abraham-lincoln/) > [God is your very being. 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