--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: We can say that, for Merton, religion…" description: "\"“We can say that, for Merton, religion refers to our deepest reality which lies hidden in our innate propensity for union with God. Our life, in other ..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/b56/james-finley-33778_religion_we-can-say-that-for-merton-religion-refe_1345425.jpg" --- # We can say that, for Merton, religion refers to our… ![“We can say that, for Merton, religion refers to our deepest reality which lies hidden in our innate propensity for union with God. Our life, in other words, simply makes no sense whatsoever except to the extent it is directed toward union with God, that is, to the extent that it is authentically…” quote by James Finley](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/b56/james-finley-33778_religion_we-can-say-that-for-merton-religion-refe_1345425.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/b56/james-finley-33778_religion_we-can-say-that-for-merton-religion-refe_1345425.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/b56/james-finley-33778_religion_we-can-say-that-for-merton-religion-refe_1345425.jpg) > ““We can say that, for Merton, religion refers to our deepest reality which lies hidden in our innate propensity for union with God. Our life, in other words, simply makes no sense whatsoever except to the extent it is directed toward union with God, that is, to the extent that it is authentically religious.”” [James Finley](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/james-finley/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Religion is presented as the deepest hidden reality, realized through an innate drive toward union with God, giving life meaning only when directed toward that union. **In simple terms:** Religion is a hidden deep reality found in our innate drive toward God. Key Takeaway Seek authentic union with God for purpose. Themes spirituality meaning union Mood contemplative hopeful Type philosophical inspirational When to use this quote - personal prayer - spiritual direction - contemplative practice - life decisions Key Concepts theology existential purpose inner reality Questions to Reflect On - How does one recognize this innate propensity? - What if union with God feels unattainable? A Different Perspective May overlook non‑theistic paths to meaning. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Religion](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/religion/) ## Related quotes > [“But a man of awareness, an authentically religious man only responds. He is not in your hands; you cannot pull him down, you cannot…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/osho/but-a-man-of-awareness-an-authentically-religious-man-only-responds/) [Osho](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/osho/) > [“No one can manufacture or concoct a religion; “religion” refers to the injunctions or laws of the Lord. 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