Meaning: This quote by John Polkinghorne, a physicist and theologian, captures the inherent challenge faced by theologians in attempting to articulate and comprehend the nature of God. The quote highlights the profound difficulty of speaking about a concept as vast and transcendent as God, who is perceived as the ultimate ground of all existence. In essence, Polkinghorne suggests that every aspect of human inquiry can be seen as contributing to the theological discourse, acknowledging the interconnectedness of all knowledge and the inextricable link between the study of God and the study of the world.

The quote begins by acknowledging the great problem faced by theologians in their quest to articulate and understand the nature of God. This problem arises from the incomprehensible and ineffable nature of God, which transcends human understanding and language. The very act of attempting to articulate the nature of God presents a formidable challenge, as language and concepts are inherently limited when applied to a transcendent and infinite being.

Polkinghorne further asserts that God is the ground of everything that is, underscoring the fundamental role of God in the existence and functioning of the universe. This perspective aligns with theological concepts such as divine sovereignty and omnipotence, which posit that God is the ultimate source and sustainer of all creation. From this viewpoint, the study of God necessarily encompasses and permeates every aspect of human inquiry, as God's influence and presence are believed to be pervasive throughout the fabric of existence.

The quote also conveys the idea that every human inquiry contributes to the theological discourse, serving as material for the theological mill. This perspective reflects the interconnectedness of knowledge and the belief that all aspects of human understanding, whether scientific, philosophical, or experiential, can potentially shed light on the nature of God and the divine. In this sense, the pursuit of knowledge in any field can be seen as an exploration of the divine, as it ultimately contributes to the broader understanding of God and the universe.

Moreover, Polkinghorne acknowledges the inherent limitation of human knowledge by stating that no theologian can know everything. This recognition of the finite nature of human understanding underscores the humility required in approaching theological inquiry. It also emphasizes the ongoing and dynamic nature of theological discourse, as theologians engage in a continual process of exploration, reflection, and interpretation in their quest to comprehend the divine.

In summary, John Polkinghorne's quote encapsulates the profound challenge faced by theologians in attempting to articulate and understand the nature of God. It underscores the interconnectedness of all knowledge and the pervasive influence of the divine in every aspect of human inquiry. The quote invites contemplation on the limitations of human understanding and the ongoing pursuit of theological insight in the face of the ineffable and transcendent nature of God.