Belief Quote by Anthony de Mello
“A religious belief is not a statement about Reality, but a hint, a clue about something that is a mystery, beyond the grasp of human thought. In short, a religious belief is only a finger pointing to the moon. Some religious people never get beyond the study of the finger. Others are engaged in sucking it. Others yet use the finger to gouge their eyes out. These are the bigots whom religion has made blind. Rare indeed is the religionist who is sufficiently detached from the finger to see what it is indicating - these are those who, having gone beyond belief, are taken for blasphemers.”
About This Quote
Religious belief offers symbolic hints about mysteries beyond human comprehension; some cling to literal interpretations, others transcend them.
In simple terms: Beliefs are symbols pointing to deeper truths.
Key Takeaway
Seek meaning beyond literal words.
Themes
spirituality
interpretation
knowledge
Mood
reflective
contemplative
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- theology
- personal growth
- interfaith dialogue
Key Concepts
philosophy
religion
epistemology
Questions to Reflect On
- What symbols guide you?
- How to move beyond surface meanings?
A Different Perspective
Literal focus can limit insight.
