Meaning: The quote "But God, who is immortal, has no need of difference of sex, nor of succession" is attributed to Lactantius, a Christian author and theologian who lived in the 3rd and 4th centuries AD. Lactantius was an important figure in the early Christian church, known for his theological writings and defense of Christianity against pagan and heretical attacks. This quote reflects Lactantius' views on the nature of God and the divine attributes that distinguish God from human beings.

In this quote, Lactantius emphasizes the immortality of God and asserts that God transcends the need for sexual differentiation and succession. This reflects a core theological tenet of Christianity, which holds that God is an eternal and unchanging being, distinct from the finite and mutable nature of human existence. Lactantius' statement also reflects the prevailing cultural and philosophical attitudes of his time, particularly the influence of Neoplatonism and the rejection of anthropomorphic conceptions of deity.

Lactantius' assertion that God has no need for difference of sex is rooted in the belief that God is beyond the limitations of gender and sexuality. In many religious traditions, including Christianity, God is often described using masculine language and imagery, such as "Father" or "King." However, theologians like Lactantius sought to convey that these terms are metaphorical and symbolic, rather than indicative of literal gender identity within the divine essence. By emphasizing the transcendence of sexual difference in relation to God, Lactantius underscores the ineffable and incomprehensible nature of the divine.

Furthermore, Lactantius' statement about God's lack of need for succession reflects the notion of divine eternity and self-sufficiency. Unlike human beings, who are subject to the passage of time and the constraints of generational succession, God exists outside of time and is not dependent on any form of succession or change. This idea aligns with classical theological concepts of divine perfection and aseity, which assert that God is self-existent and self-sufficient, without any need for external causes or conditions.

Lactantius' views on the nature of God and the divine attributes have had a lasting impact on Christian theology and continue to be influential in discussions about the nature of God and the relationship between the divine and the human. His emphasis on the transcendence of sexual difference and succession in relation to God underscores the mystery and majesty of the divine, inviting contemplation and reverence for the ineffable nature of the divine.

In conclusion, the quote attributed to Lactantius encapsulates key theological themes related to the nature of God, emphasizing the immortality, transcendence, and self-sufficiency of the divine. Lactantius' assertion that God has no need of difference of sex or succession reflects his commitment to articulating the incomprehensible nature of God and the divine attributes that distinguish God from the finite and contingent nature of human existence. This quote serves as a reminder of the profound mystery and majesty of the divine, inviting contemplation and awe in the presence of the transcendent and eternal God.