#church

The whole world is a theatre for the display of the divine goodness, wisdom, justice, and power, but the Church is the orchestra, as it were—the most conspicuous part of it; and the nearer the approaches are that God makes to us, the more intimate and condescending the communication of his benefits, the more attentively are we called to consider them. ↗

— Jean Calvin

#glory #god #theatrum-gloriae-dei #communication

The church is missionary by nature because God through the Spirit calls, creates, and commissions the church to communicate to the world that the redemptive reign of God has broken into human history. ↗

— Craig Van Gelder

#communication

The Church expected the Second Coming of Christ immediately, and no doubt this was so in the ordinary literal sense. But it was certainly expected also in another sense. The converts in all the cities of Asia and (soon) of Europe where the small groups were founded had known, in their conversion, one way or another, a first coming of their Redeemer. And then? And then! That was the consequent task and trouble — the then. He had come, and they adored and believed, they communicated and practiced, and waited for his further exhibition of himself. The then lasted, and there seemed to be no farther equivalent Now. Time became the individual and catholic problem. The Church had to become as catholic — as universal and as durable — as time. ↗

— Charles Williams

#eschatology #theology #communication

What is to be gained if we are so intent in reaching out to the unchurched that we then unchurch the reached? ↗

— David F. Wells

#church #post-modernism #courage

Everyone agrees the celibacy rule is just a Church law dating from the 11th century, not a divine command. ↗

— Hans Küng

#celibacy #christianity #church #priesthood #priests

Clary felt suddenly annoyed. "When the self-congratulatory part of the evening is over, maybe we could get back to saving my best friend from being exsanguinated to death?" "Exsanguinated," said Jace, impressed. "That's a big word." "And you're a big-" "Tsk tsk," he interupted. "No swearing in church. ↗

— Cassandra Clare

#church #clary-fray #jace-wayland #swear #death

I must admit, that I have learned more from my negative experiences than I have ever learned from my positive one. ↗

— John Paul Warren

#central-christian-church #church #inspirational #john-paul #john-paul-warren

I have not learned a single lesson, been inspired or impacted by another person’s life void of negative experiences. ↗

— John Paul Warren

#church #inspirational #leadership #motivational #pastors

Every day Catholics prove that you can be a good Catholic and a good Democrat and have a different position from the Church on abortion. ↗

— James Carville

#catholic #catholics #church #day #democrat

Teenagers who do not go to church are adored by God, but they don't get to meet some of the people who love God back. ↗

— Anne Lamott

#god #teenagers #faith