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“My own view is that one cannot be religious in general any more than one can speak language in general; at any given moment one speaks French or English or Swahili or Japanese, but not 'language.” quote by Susan Sontag
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“My own view is that one cannot be religious in general any more than one can speak language in general; at any given moment one speaks French or English or Swahili or Japanese, but not 'language.”

Susan Sontag

About This Quote

Source Essay: Notes on 'Camp', 1964

Religion is not a universal language; it is specific like spoken tongues, varying by culture and context.

In simple terms: Religion is like language, specific to cultures.

Key Takeaway

Recognize religious diversity.

Themes

culture religion language

Mood

thoughtful analytical

Type

philosophical critical

When to use this quote

  • interfaith dialogue
  • anthropology studies
  • personal belief reflection

Key Concepts

Relativism pluralism

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does language shape religious experience?
  • Can we find common ground across faiths?
A Different Perspective

Religious identity can be deeply personal and not easily compared.

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