As I review the passages I underlined, I note that they fall into two categories: 1) Actual quotations from Goetz; and 2) Quotations that Goetz quoted from other sources.
I’ll start with the second category, since the best are in it. Goetz reminds me of another Christian author (a very prominent one—can you guess who?) in that many of his best ideas are borrowed from others. I think this is a good thing generally; it brings good material to an audience that might otherwise not read it.
“The higher goal of spiritual living is not to amass a wealth of information, but to face sacred moments…. [I]t is not a thing that lends significance to a moment; it is a moment that lends significance to things.” Abraham Heschel, The Sabbath (DBS p 19-20)
“Much of God’s work is done in secret because you would not die to yourself if He always visibly stretched out His hand to save you.” François Fénelon, The Seeking Heart (DBS p 54)
“Nature cannot satisfy the desires she arouses nor answer theological questions nor sanctify us. Our real journey to God involves constantly turning our backs on her; passing from the dawn-lit fields into some pokey little church….” C. S. Lewis, The Four Loves (DBS p 133-34)
“…the idea that God Himself is suffering is one that has always been one of the most convincing teachings of Christianity.” Dietrich Bonhoeffer, letter (DBS p 94-95)
So, I will follow this post with the other category of quotations. Please add your favorites too!
