Eastern-religion Quote by Warren Sharpe
““We in the West regard the universe as a creation of God; like an invention or a product. After he created the universe, God set himself to oversee it and manage it. We see God as our boss. He created the universe, he is present in it, he manages every part of it, but he is still separate from it. It's like he installed video cameras all over the universe, so he can see everything that happens, and he can cause this or that to happen, but he is not a part of what happens. The Eastern view is very different. To the Hindu, for example, God didn't create the universe, but God became the universe. Then he forgot that he became the universe. Why would God do this? Basically, for entertainment. You create a universe, and that in itself is very exciting. But then what? Should you sit back and watch this universe of yours having all the fun? No, you should have all the fun yourself. To accomplish this, God transformed into the whole universe. God is the Universe, and everything in it. But the universe doesn't know that because that would ruin the suspense. The universe is God's great drama, and God is the stage, the actors, and the audience all at once. The title of this epic drama is "The Great Unknown Outcome." Throw in potent elements like passion, love, hate, good, evil, free will; and who knows what will happen? No one knows, and that is what keeps the universe interesting. But everyone will have a good time. And there is never really any danger, because everyone is really God, and God is really just playing around.””
About This Quote
Source Speech: Lecture on Comparative Theology, Warren Sharpe, 2015
The quote contrasts Western the view of God as a detached creator‑manager with an Eastern Hindu view where God is inseparable from the universe, turning existence into a divine play full of mystery and joy.
In simple terms: West sees God as boss; East sees God as the whole drama.
Embrace the mystery and participate fully in life.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- personal growth
- creative work
- mindfulness
- artistic expression
- community building
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How does seeing yourself as part of a larger whole change your actions?
- What responsibilities arise when you view life as a divine play?
The analogy may oversimplify complex traditions and ignore diverse interpretations within each culture.