This quote by Irving Layton is a profound reflection on the concept of God and the human condition. It suggests that God, as a divine entity, ceased to exist not due to disbelief or secularism, but rather from the horror and disappointment of seeing what the human being, supposedly created in His image, has become.
The statement “God is dead” implies the end of a traditional, omnipotent, and omniscient deity who governs the world and human affairs. The cause of death, “self-horror”, indicates a deep disappointment or disgust, suggesting that the divine entity could not bear to witness the actions and behaviors of human beings, who are supposed to reflect His image.
The second part of the quote, “when He saw the creature He had made in His own image”, is a direct reference to the biblical assertion that humans are created in the image of God. Here, it is used to emphasize the contrast between the divine ideal and the flawed reality of human nature.
Applying this idea to today’s world, it could be seen as a critique of our society and human behavior. The violence, injustice, greed, and other negative aspects of humanity could be perceived as so horrific that even a divine being could not bear to witness it. It’s a call to self-reflection, urging us to examine our actions and their impact on the world.
In terms of personal development, this quote could be seen as a powerful reminder of our potential for both good and evil. It encourages us to strive for the divine ideal, to be better versions of ourselves, and to act in ways that would make us proud if we were to see our actions reflected back at us. It also suggests that we have the power to ‘resurrect’ God, not literally, but by embodying the positive qualities traditionally associated with divinity such as love, compassion, and justice.