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Being holy . . . does not mean being perfect but being…

“Being holy . . . does not mean being perfect but being whole; it does not mean being exceptionally religious or being religious at all; it means being liberated from religiosity and religious pietism of any sort; it does not mean being morally better, it meas being exemplary; it does not mean…” quote by William Stringfellow
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“Being holy . . . does not mean being perfect but being whole; it does not mean being exceptionally religious or being religious at all; it means being liberated from religiosity and religious pietism of any sort; it does not mean being morally better, it meas being exemplary; it does not mean being godly, but rather being truly human.”

William Stringfellow

About This Quote

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

Holiness is about authentic humanity and freedom from religious pretenses, not moral superiority or ritual perfection.

In simple terms: Holiness means being whole, not perfect or overly religious.

Key Takeaway

Seek authenticity over performance.

Themes

authenticity freedom humanity

Mood

reflective serene

Type

philosophical spiritual

When to use this quote

  • personal growth
  • spiritual practice
  • interfaith dialogue
  • community leadership

Key Concepts

theology existentialism moral philosophy

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can you practice authentic humanity without judgment?
  • What habits reinforce true wholeness?
A Different Perspective

It may be misunderstood as moral superiority, causing division.

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