R. Mark Liebenow > Quotes

“Some say God created the world out of loneliness. Others say the world was created because the Almighty loves stories. I believe the world was created because God has a sense of humor and a love for adventure. When creation was completed, God saw that it was good, and God laughed! Then God rested. Michael Moynahan says the Almighty had to rest because of laughing so hard over the whole thing.”
― R. Mark Liebenow, Is There Fun After Paul? A Theology of Fools and Clowns

“Along the Merced River there’s a deep sense of peace, yet it coexists with danger. No matter how sedate the river may appear, it’s as wild as the other creatures of Yosemite. Strong currents run underneath the surface. If I were to jump in, the snowmelt cold would induce hypothermia within minutes and, with a little more volume, this calm-looking river would sweep me to my death. People have drowned when it's looked quiet like this, trying to wade across. Someone died here last year, and Sadie Schaeffer, who's buried in the Pioneer Cemetery, died doing that more than a hundred years ago just a short way downriver toward El Capitan. Nature doesn’t stop and make exceptions for people who get in its way.”
― R. Mark Liebenow, Mountains of Light: Seasons of Reflection in Yosemite