Children Quote by William P. Young
“I don't want my kids growing up with the image of God that I had -- Plato's white grandfatherly god -- because that god is not a very good father. When it comes down to it, you can't trust him with your kids.”
About This Quote
The speaker rejects passing down a paternalistic, distant deity to children, arguing that such a god lacks trustworthiness and compassion as a parental figure.
In simple terms: Critique of a detached, authoritarian divine image.
Key Takeaway
Question inherited religious concepts.
Themes
theology
parenting
authority
trust
mythology
Mood
reflective
skeptical
concerned
Type
philosophical
critical
personal
When to use this quote
- family religious education
- interfaith dialogue
- personal faith crisis
Key Concepts
divine authority
intergenerational transmission
moral modeling
Practical Applications
- reexamining family religious narratives
- creating inclusive spiritual teachings
Questions to Reflect On
- How does the image of a deity shape moral development?
- What alternatives exist to a paternalistic god model?
