Meaning: The quote by David Jenkins, a clergyman, delves into the limitations of human language when it comes to expressing truths about God. Jenkins suggests that any statement about God cannot be taken simply or literally, as the concept of God transcends the boundaries of human comprehension and language. According to Jenkins, God is beyond measurement, description, and definition in ordinary language, and cannot be confined to any specific event or circumstance. This quote reflects a deep theological understanding of the nature of God and the challenges inherent in attempting to articulate and understand the divine.

Jenkins' assertion that "No statement about God is simply, literally true" underscores the complexity of attempting to capture the essence of the divine through human language. In religious and philosophical discourse, the nature of God is a topic of profound contemplation and debate. Different religious traditions and theological perspectives offer diverse interpretations of the divine, and the limitations of language become apparent when attempting to articulate these understandings. Jenkins' statement acknowledges the inherent inadequacy of language when it comes to encapsulating the fullness of God's nature.

The phrase "God is far more than can be measured, described, defined in ordinary language" highlights the ineffable nature of the divine. In many religious traditions, the concept of God is often perceived as transcendent, beyond human comprehension, and existing outside the limitations of human language and understanding. This notion of the ineffability of God has been a recurring theme in religious mysticism and philosophical thought, emphasizing the inadequacy of language to fully capture the essence of the divine.

Jenkins' assertion that God cannot be "pinned down to any particular happening" suggests that the divine is not confined to specific events or occurrences in human history. This perspective challenges anthropomorphic interpretations of God, which seek to confine the divine within the parameters of human experience and historical context. Instead, Jenkins' statement invites contemplation of a God whose presence and influence transcend the boundaries of time and space, eluding confinement to any singular event or circumstance.

The quote by David Jenkins invites individuals to grapple with the limitations of language and human understanding when it comes to articulating truths about the divine. It encourages a deeper exploration of the complexities and nuances inherent in conceptualizing and expressing beliefs about God. By acknowledging the inadequacy of ordinary language in capturing the fullness of God's nature, Jenkins' quote prompts a reevaluation of how individuals approach discussions about the divine and encourages a posture of humility and open-mindedness in engaging with diverse theological perspectives.

In conclusion, David Jenkins' quote serves as a thought-provoking reflection on the challenges of expressing truths about God within the limitations of human language. It invites individuals to consider the ineffable nature of the divine and the inherent inadequacy of ordinary language in capturing the fullness of God's being. By acknowledging the transcendence of God beyond human comprehension and linguistic expression, Jenkins' quote encourages a deeper contemplation of the complexities inherent in articulating beliefs about the divine.