The word “religion” has been hi-jacked and debased by the…
““The word “religion” has been hi-jacked and debased by the priests of faiths like these, until now it has become a dirty word amongst intelligent, right-thinking people in the Western world. The word “religion” springs from roots meaning piety, the Latin religio, the opposite idea to negligens, negligent, uncaring, unaware. It also springs from a root meaning to join together things that are separate, which in fact is the same meaning as the word “yoga” (compare the English word yoke, which ties oxen together, for example). So religion is a word which describes the process of becoming aware and unified, of joining together all things which are diverse; it is the union of body and spirit, self and not-self, human and god.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Religion originally meant piety and unity, akin to “yoga,” but has been misused; now often seen negatively by rational thinkers.
In simple terms: Religion originally meant unity and piety, now often misused.
Key Takeaway
Seek true unity beyond labels.
Themes
religion
unity
piety
language
misuse
Mood
critical
reflective
Type
expository
analysis
When to use this quote
- interfaith dialogue
- personal belief
- academic study
Key Concepts
etymology
philosophy
spirituality
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we restore original meanings?
- What role does language play in belief?
A Different Perspective
Modern misuse can obscure original meaning.