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Ben Crenshaw asked this question about The Phenomenon of Man:
Hello. I have been reading some of Pierre de Chardin's books this year. I have heard the quote "We are not human beings having a spiritual experience; but spiritual beings having a human experience" attributed to him and that it is from The Phenomena of Man. However, that quote does not appear in that work. Does anyone know the exact source for that quote?
Duane Roberts In some important ways, when we discuss attribution details we often loose sight of the truths in the idea: "We are not human beings having a spiritua…moreIn some important ways, when we discuss attribution details we often loose sight of the truths in the idea: "We are not human beings having a spiritual experience; we are spiritual beings…". Therein is the crux of the concept. Can we ever experience God solely by either physical or spiritual senses? It seems de Chardin might be testing the thought that we are both spiritual and earthly beings...that life has purpose beyond worldly pursuits. This is what I like about his writing. He provokes my thinking and thereby helps enlighten me as I study all truth. (less)
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The Phenomenon of Man
by Pierre Teilhard de Chardin
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