--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Other possible approaches demand more…" description: "\"“Other possible approaches demand more respect. For one thing, we must be careful in describing a religion as extinct, either entirely, or in a particu..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/670/philip-jenkins-10529_religion_other-possible-approaches-demand-more-re_3214002.jpg" --- # Other possible approaches demand more respect. For one… ![“Other possible approaches demand more respect. For one thing, we must be careful in describing a religion as extinct, either entirely, or in a particular area; churches end, but The Church goes on. A conservative Catholic once criticized my statement that the North African church had ceased to…” quote by Philip Jenkins](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/670/philip-jenkins-10529_religion_other-possible-approaches-demand-more-re_3214002.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/670/philip-jenkins-10529_religion_other-possible-approaches-demand-more-re_3214002.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/670/philip-jenkins-10529_religion_other-possible-approaches-demand-more-re_3214002.jpg) > ““Other possible approaches demand more respect. For one thing, we must be careful in describing a religion as extinct, either entirely, or in a particular area; churches end, but The Church goes on. A conservative Catholic once criticized my statement that the North African church had ceased to exist. Of course it had not, he argued. True, the dioceses in question happened, at present, to have no clergy, no members or lay believers, and no buildings. But regardless of the number of people it included, the church never ceased to exist as a body at once mystical and institutional.”” [Philip Jenkins](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/philip-jenkins/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. The quote argues that a religion can persist even when its visible institutions vanish, emphasizing the distinction between physical churches and the enduring spiritual body of the faith. **In simple terms:** Religion can survive without buildings or clergy. Key Takeaway Recognize the unseen continuity of faith communities. Themes faith institution continuity identity history Mood reflective thoughtful Type analytical philosophical When to use this quote - missionary work - academic research - interfaith dialogue - community building Key Concepts theology social anthropology institutional resilience Questions to Reflect On - How do you define the existence of a religious community? - Can a faith truly exist without any adherents? A Different Perspective The claim may overlook the lived experience of believers who feel abandoned. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Church Ceased](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/church-ceased-484311/) [Churches End](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/churches-end-6016324/) [Describing Religion](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/describing-religion-2952297/) [Dioceses Question](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/dioceses-question-6016323/) [Religion](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/religion/) [Religion Extinct](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/religion-extinct-5602654/) [Respect](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/respect/) ## Related quotes > [The theologian may indulge the pleasing task of describing Religion as she descended from Heaven, arrayed in her native purity. 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