“I believe that theology is facing the abyss.I must face the abyss, the abyss of existence, the abyss of mystery. (Rubem Alves, p. 189)”
“I don't tolerate politics that come from anger. I want a politics derived from beauty... I don't admire politicians, but poets. (Rubem Alves, p. 189)”
“The abyss is full of reality, the abyss experiences itself, the abyss is alive.”
“Genius is the true mystery, and at its edge--the abyss.”
“I think both Protestants and Catholics have killed the woman for the sake of the mother. (Rubem Alves, p. 201)”
“...we are of a broad, Karamazovian nature--and this is what I am driving at--capable of containing all possible opposites and of contemplating both abysses at once, the abyss above us, an abyss of lofty ideals, and the abyss beneath us, and abyss of the lowest and foulest degradation.”