Faith Quote by William Sloane Coffin
““If we misconceive God as Father Protector,...then each disappointment reduces what may confidently be affirmed about God. And this is how most people lose their faith.””
About This Quote
Source Sermon: Faith and Disappointment, 1978
Seeing God as a protector leads to disappointment when expectations fail, weakening faith.
In simple terms: Expectations of protection can erode belief when unmet.
Key Takeaway
Balance expectations with realistic understanding of the divine.
Themes
faith
theology
expectation
Mood
contemplative
serious
Type
theological
philosophical
When to use this quote
- personal crises
- interfaith dialogues
- pastoral counseling
Key Concepts
human vulnerability
spiritual resilience
theodicy
Questions to Reflect On
- How can believers maintain faith amid unmet expectations?
- What alternative views of God support resilience?
A Different Perspective
Overemphasis on protection may ignore other divine aspects.
