The religious urge in man is not a mere passing phase in…
“The religious urge in man is not a mere passing phase in the history of his spiritual development, but the ultimate source of all his ethical thought and all his concepts of morality; not the outcome of primitive credulity which a more "enlightened" age could outgrow, but the only answer to a real, basic need of man at all times and in all environments. In another word, it is an instinct.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Human religious instinct drives ethical frameworks and moral concepts, not merely a historical phase or primitive belief.
In simple terms: Religion fuels morality as an innate need.
Key Takeaway
Recognize spiritual drives behind moral values.
Themes
ethics
religion
human nature
instinct
morality
Mood
reflective
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
theoretical
When to use this quote
- personal development
- community building
- interfaith dialogue
Key Concepts
spiritual psychology
sociology
anthropology
Questions to Reflect On
- How does innate spirituality shape modern moral debates?
- Can ethical systems exist without religious instinct?
A Different Perspective
Religion may conflict with secular ethics in plural societies.