"There are two gods. The god our teachers teach us about, and the God who teaches us. The god about whom people usually talk, and the God who talks to us. The god we learn to fear, and the God who speaks to us of mercy. The god who is somewhere up on high, and the God who is here in our daily lives. The god who demands punishment, and the God who forgives us our trespasses. The god who threatens us with the torments of Hell, and the God who shows us the true path. There are two gods. A god who casts us off because of our sins, and a God who calls to us with His love."

3 likes

Source: Paulo Coelho (2009). “By the River Piedra I Sat Down and Wept: A Novel of Forgiveness”, p.7, Harper Collins

About the author

Paulo Coelho

Writer

Paulo Coelho is a Brazilian author best known for 'The Alchemist', which explores themes of destiny, love, and self-discovery.

All quotes by Paulo Coelho →

Same author

More quotes by Paulo Coelho

See all →
Paulo Coelho Writer

"There are moments when troubles enter our lives and we can do nothing to avoid them. But they are there for a reason. Only when we have overcome them will we understand why they were there."

Read quote
Paulo Coelho Writer

"I love you like a river that understands that it must learn to flow differently over waterfalls and to rest in the shallows. I love you because we are all born in the same place, at the same source, which keeps us provided with a constant supply of water. And so, when we feel weak, all we have to do is wait a little. The spring returns, and the winter snows melt and fill us with new energy."

Read quote