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The motive, principle, and end of the religious life is to…

“The motive, principle, and end of the religious life is to make an absolute gift of self to God in a self-forgetting love, to end one's own life in order to make room for God's life.” quote by Edith Stein
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“The motive, principle, and end of the religious life is to make an absolute gift of self to God in a self-forgetting love, to end one's own life in order to make room for God's life.”

Edith Stein

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Religious life aims to surrender self completely to God, loving selflessly and making space for divine presence by letting go of personal ego.

In simple terms: Selfless love to God frees space for divine life.

Key Takeaway

Practice self‑forgetting love.

Themes

spirituality self‑sacrifice divine union

Mood

contemplative serene

Type

theological philosophical

When to use this quote

  • monastic vows
  • prayer retreats
  • service work

Key Concepts

theology existentialism mysticism

Questions to Reflect On

  • What does self‑forgetting love look like in daily life?
  • How can one balance self‑sacrifice with self‑care?
A Different Perspective

Self‑sacrifice may neglect personal health and boundaries.

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