Organized religion Quote by James Martin
““Often, when we are in trouble, or doubting, or struggling, we rely on others to carry us to God. Just as often we must do the carrying, to help friends who are struggling. This is one of the many benefits of organized religion, as we all need others to help us find God. Even though we may disagree with others and find life in a community occasionally annoying and sometimes scandalous, we need others, because the community is one way that we are carried to God, especially when we are too weak to walk to God on our own. But I wondered about the paralyzed man. He may have felt shame for his illness or for being unable to support himself. Maybe his friends carried him in spite of himself. Sometimes when we are too embarrassed to approach God, someone must bring us there—even drag us there. Many times when I am discouraged, demoralized, or angry at God, it is friends who remind me of God’s great love and who carry me to God. We cannot come to God without others.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Jesuit Guide to (, James Martin, 2015
Community support is essential for spiritual growth; we both receive and give help in faith.
In simple terms: We need others to reach God; we also help others.
Key Takeaway
Seek and offer spiritual companionship.
Themes
faith
community
mutual support
vulnerability
spiritual growth
Mood
reflective
hopeful
encouraging
Type
inspirational
philosophical
When to use this quote
- church groups
- personal crises
- friendship
- counseling
- volunteering
Key Concepts
interdependence
compassion
service
humility
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you balance receiving help with personal agency?
- What practices foster mutual spiritual support?
A Different Perspective
Reliance on others may hinder personal responsibility if overused.
![“Organized religion has a part in the evolution of personal religion. It is the material upon which personal religion is grafted, but the process of grafting must be individual. Every human soul must, through thought, prayer, and study, cultivate his [sic] own religion to suit himself.” quote by Lily Montagu](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/7f3/lily-montagu-82141_evolution_organized-religion-has-a-part-in-the-evo_7761.jpg)
