The word of God is not for sale; and therefore it has no need of shrewd salesmen. The word of God is not seeking patrons; therefore it refuses price cutting and bargaining; therefore it has no need of middlemen. The word of God does not compete with other commodities which are being offered to men on the bargain counter of life. It does not care to be sold at any price. It only desires to be its own genuine self, without being compelled to suffer alterations and modifications…It will, however, not stoop to overcome resistance with bargain counter methods. Promoters’ success are sham victories; their crowded churches and the breathlessness of their audiences have nothing in common with the word of God.
–Karl Barth
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Great quote. Thanks for sharing. From which of Barth’s work does it come?
That’s a great quote. Maggie and I were talking yesterday about how all the new churches we’ve visited seem to be “trying” too hard. It’s worship of God, not see how many people we can get to attend “OUR church”.
I agree with Rich on that. It’s not about the packaging or the fuzzy warm feelings or the food. It is the Word we should be feasting as we give worth to God in worship. Unfortunately, it seems that often ‘the church’ feels as if it must use the tactics of mainstream to sell faith. In the process, sell out instead.
Excellent quote.
Andrew:
Not sure, I picked it up from an outside source…cited to preface a chapter in a book I was reading. If anyone who stops by here knows where this is from I would appreciate the reference.
Deana & Rich: Glad you enjoyed this. I’ve been on board with Barth’s sentiment as stated here for a while, but have never been able to state it so well. Thank God we have a community of people thinking about this stuff.