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I can't see why anybody - unless he was a child, or an angel, or a lucky simpleton like the pilgrim - would even want to say a prayer to a Jesus who was the least bit different from the way he looks and sounds in the New Testament. My God! He's only the most intelligent man in the Bible, that's all! Who isn't he head and shoulders over? Who? Both Testaments are full of pundits, prophets, disciples, favorite sons, Solomons, Isaiahs, Davids, Pauls - but, my God, who besides Jesus really knew which end was up? Nobody. Not Moses. Don't tell me Moses. He was a nice man, and he kept in beautiful touch with his God, and all that - but that's exactly the point. He had to keep in touch. Jesus realized there is no separation from God.

J. D. Salinger#19

FaithSpiritualityConsciousnessJesus

About this quote

What does it mean?
Jesus is portrayed as uniquely conscious of his connection to God, unlike other biblical figures who had to seek it.
In plain terms
Jesus knew he was always connected to God without needing to pray for it.
What can you take from it?
Seek a direct connection with the divine rather than a distant one.

Where it applies

  • religious study
  • spiritual reflection
  • prayer

Putting it to work

  • study scripture
  • seek direct connection
  • reflect on faith

Questions to consider

  • What does connection with God mean to you?
  • How do you view Jesus?

Another view

It simplifies complex theological views on other biblical figures.

More from J. D. Salinger

  1. I like to ride in trains too much. You never get to sit next to the window anymore when you're married.

    Permalink to quote #18
  2. I swear to you, you're missing the whole point of the Jesus Prayer. The Jesus Prayer has one aim, and one aim only. To endow the person who says it with Christ…

    Permalink to quote #20
  3. When you don't see Jesus for exactly what he was, you miss the whole point of the Jesus Prayer. If you don't understand Jesus, you can't understand his prayer …

    Permalink to quote #17

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