Care Quote by William Ernest Hocking
“We are driven to confess that we actually care more for religion than we do for religious theories and ideas: and in merely making that distinction between religion and its doctrine-elements, have we not already relegated the latter to an external and subordinate position? Have we not asserted that "religion itself" has some other essence or constitution than mere idea or thought?”
About This Quote
Source Essay: The Meaning of Religion, William Ernest Hocking, 1932
People prioritize the lived experience of religion over abstract doctrines, treating faith as a personal essence beyond mere ideas.
In simple terms: Faith is felt, not just thought.
Key Takeaway
Value personal spiritual experience.
Themes
faith
personal meaning
doctrine
identity
Mood
reflective
contemplative
Type
theological
philosophical
When to use this quote
- personal counseling
- community worship
- interfaith dialogue
Key Concepts
philosophy of religion
existentialism
Questions to Reflect On
- What aspects of religion feel essential beyond its teachings?
- How does personal faith shape moral actions?
A Different Perspective
Doctrine can become detached from lived practice.
![“An important distinction can be made between religion and spirituality. Religion [is] concerned with faith in the claims to salvation of one faith tradition... Spirituality is concerned with qualities of the human spirit, love and compassion, patience, tolerance, forgiveness, contentment, a sense…” quote by Dalai Lama](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/837/dalai-lama-89_claims_an-important-distinction-can-be-made-bet_1202008.jpg)
