Self-absorption is always a temptation to young people…
“Self-absorption is always a temptation to young people, and if their religion is of a sort to add to this self-absorption, I feel that it is a serious mistake. If I had my way, the whole subject of feelings and emotions in the religious life would be absolutely ignored. Feelings there will be, doubtless, but they must not be in the least depended on, nor in any sense taken as the test or gauge of one's religion. They ought to be left out of the calculation entirely. You may feel good or you may feel bad, but neither the good feeling nor the bad feeling affects the real thing.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
She warns against letting emotions dictate religion, urging a focus on objective faith rather than feelings.
In simple terms: Avoid letting feelings guide faith.
Key Takeaway
Prioritize doctrine over emotion.
Themes
faith
emotion
discipline
Mood
critical
inquisitive
Type
spiritual
philosophical
When to use this quote
- personal devotion
- church teaching
- spiritual counseling
Key Concepts
spirituality
psychology
religious practice
Questions to Reflect On
- Should feelings be excluded from faith?
- How to balance emotion and doctrine?
A Different Perspective
Emotions can be integral to authentic faith.