"God speaks to me not through the thunder and the earthquake, nor through the ocean and the stars, but through the Son of Man, and speaks in a language adapted to my imperfect sight and hearing"

William Lyon Phelps' quote uses profound insight into the nature of magnificent communication and revelation. Phelps recommends that while the majesty of natural phenomena-- such as thunder, earthquakes, the ocean, and the stars-- can reflect the grandeur and power of God, they are not the medium through which he experiences divine interaction. Rather, Phelps emphasizes a more personal and accessible channel: the "Son of Man", a title typically attributed to Jesus Christ in Christian theology.

The phrase "Son of Man" is significant since it humanizes the divine, recommending that God chose to interact not through overwhelming screens of might, however through a relatable figure who lived a human life. This connection underscores the concept that magnificent interaction is not meant to be intimidating or unattainable, but intimate and understandable. By speaking "in a language adapted to my imperfect sight and hearing", Phelps acknowledges human constraints while highlighting God's grace in reaching out to humankind in an easy to understand method.

Phelps suggests that by comprehending the human condition, the Son of Man makes the divine accessible and pertinent to the everyday experiences of individuals. Instead of needing to analyze the puzzling messages of nature, one can want to the life and mentors of Jesus Christ as a guide. This method positions focus on individual and relatable forms of understanding, suggesting a faith that is lived and experienced in the ordinary moments of life.

This perspective likewise reflects a broader theological style: God's willingness to fulfill humankind where they are, accommodating human drawbacks and making magnificent love and knowledge approachable. For believers like Phelps, this individual form of divine interaction can offer comfort, assistance, and a method to link deeply with one's faith, echoing the belief that the divine presence is available and continually engaged with mankind.