I don't want to justify religion in terms of its benefits…
“I don't want to justify religion in terms of its benefits to us. I believe that, on balance, it does a lot of bad things, too - a tremendous amount. But I don't think that the final justification of religion is the good it does for people. I think the final justification is that it's true, and truth takes priority over consequences. Religion helps us deal with what is most important to the human spirit: values, meaning, purpose, and quality.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Religion should be valued for its truth rather than its practical benefits; truth outweighs consequences.
In simple terms: Truth matters more than usefulness.
Key Takeaway
Prioritize truth over utility.
Themes
truth
values
meaning
purpose
human spirit
Mood
reflective
critical
thoughtful
Type
analytical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- personal decision-making
- public policy
- education curricula
- interfaith dialogue
Key Concepts
philosophy
ethics
religious studies
Questions to Reflect On
- How do we assess truth in religion?
- Can practical benefits be ignored?
A Different Perspective
Truth can be subjective and contested, limiting universal application.