Christianity is not about the divine becoming human so much as it is about the human becoming divine. That is a paradigm shift of the first order.
Interpretation
The essence of Christianity focuses on the potential for humans to attain divinity rather than just recognizing divine intervention in humanity.
This quote highlights a profound perspective within Christianity, suggesting that the emphasis is not solely on God taking human form, but rather on the transformative journey of humans aspiring to reach their own divine potential. This 'paradigm shift' inspires a more active participation in spiritual growth, encouraging individuals to elevate their own moral and spiritual existence.
In practice
In a sermon, a pastor might use this quote to inspire parishioners about their personal growth.
When I grew up in the South, I was taught that segregation was the will of God, and the Bible was quoted to prove it. I was taught that women were by nature in inferior to men, and the Bible was quoted to prove it. I was taught that it was okay to hate other religions, and especially the Jews, and the Bible was quoted to prove it.
The church is like a swimming pool. Most of the noise comes from the shallow end.
I would like the church to be a place where the questions of people are honored rather than a place where we have all the answers. The church has to get out of propaganda. The future will involve us in more interfaith dialogue. ... We cannot say we have the only truth.
It appears to be in the nature of religion itself to be prejudiced against those who are different.
The cross reveals that we're called to a deeper, fuller experience of what it means to be alive and open to new dimensions of life which our religious boundaries - creeds, atonement theologies - have kept us from experiencing.
When the dust settles and the pages of history are written, it will not be the angry defenders of intolerance who have made the difference. The reward will go to those who dared to step outside the safety of their privacy in order to expose and rout the prevailing prejudices.
We can do little things for God; I turn the cake that is frying on the pan for love of him, and that done, if there is nothing else to call me, I prostrate myself in worship before him, who has given me grace to work; afterwards I rise happier than a king.
I do not believe that the Great Spirit Chief gave one kind of men the right to tell another kind of men what they must do.
We are not only to renounce evil, but to manifest the truth. We tell people the world is vain; let our lives manifest that it is so. We tell them that our home is above and that all these things are transitory. Does our dwelling look like it? O to live consistent lives!
Your honesty is not to be based either on religion or policy. Both your religion and policy must be based on it. Your honesty must be based, as the sun is, in vacant heaven; poised, as the lights in the firmament, which have rule over the day and over the night.
Whatever men expect, they soon come to think they have a right to; the sense of disappointment can, with very little skill on our part, be turned into a sense of injury. (senior devil speaking)
Proposition one: time is a man, space is a woman.
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