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Catholicism Quote by Antonin Sertillanges

“She [the Church] proclaims that we owe love, honour and service to God in the first place, and after God not to humanity immediately, but to our father and mother, to our families, to our countries. After these, to humanity.” quote by Antonin Sertillanges
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““She [the Church] proclaims that we owe love, honour and service to God in the first place, and after God not to humanity immediately, but to our father and mother, to our families, to our countries. After these, to humanity.””

Antonin Sertillanges

About This Quote

Source Essay: The Christian Life by Antonin Sertillanges, 1930

Duty to God precedes duty to humanity, but ultimately extends to all people.

In simple terms: First serve God, then humanity.

Key Takeaway

Prioritize spiritual obligations before social ones.

Themes

religion ethics hierarchy

Mood

contemplative serious

Type

theological ethical

When to use this quote

  • family life
  • community service
  • political policy

Key Concepts

duty service family nation

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you order your obligations?
  • Can spiritual duty coexist with civic duty?
A Different Perspective

Balancing divine and human responsibilities can be complex.

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