Meaning: The quote "God Almighty is, to be sure, unmoved by passion or appetite, unchanged by affection; but then it is to be added that He neither sees nor hears nor perceives things by any senses like ours; but in a manner infinitely more perfect" is a statement by Joseph Butler, a prominent 18th-century Anglican bishop and theologian. This quote reflects Butler's philosophical and theological perspective on the nature of God and His attributes.

In this quote, Butler emphasizes the transcendence and perfection of God. He asserts that God is not subject to human-like emotions such as passion, appetite, or affection, highlighting the divine immutability and impassibility. This concept is rooted in classical theism, which posits that God is beyond human limitations and is characterized by absolute perfection and transcendence.

Furthermore, Butler introduces the idea that God's mode of perception is fundamentally different from that of human beings. He states that God does not perceive things through senses like ours, such as sight, hearing, or touch. Instead, Butler suggests that God's mode of perception is "infinitely more perfect." This notion aligns with the traditional theological understanding of God's omniscience and omnipresence, implying that God's knowledge and awareness transcend the limitations of human sensory experience.

Butler's perspective on the nature of God as expressed in this quote is deeply rooted in theological and philosophical discourse. It reflects the ongoing exploration and contemplation of the attributes and nature of the divine within the Christian tradition. The concept of God's transcendence and perfect nature has been a subject of contemplation and debate among theologians, philosophers, and scholars throughout history.

From a theological standpoint, the quote underscores the foundational attributes of God as understood within the Christian faith. The idea of God's immutability, impassibility, and transcendence has significant implications for the understanding of divine sovereignty, providence, and the relationship between God and the created world.

Moreover, Butler's emphasis on the ineffable nature of God's perception challenges human limitations in comprehending the divine. It invites contemplation on the nature of divine knowledge and awareness, prompting reflection on the mystery of God's omniscience and omnipresence.

In conclusion, Joseph Butler's quote encapsulates profound theological and philosophical reflections on the nature of God. It conveys the concept of God's transcendence, perfection, and incomprehensibility, challenging human conceptions of emotions and sensory perception. This quote serves as a thought-provoking contribution to the ongoing dialogue about the divine attributes and the nature of God within the Christian theological tradition.