He, however, who begins with Metaphysics, will not only become confused in matters of religion, but will fall into complete infidelity.
Interpretation
Starting with metaphysics can lead to confusion in religion and a loss of faith.
This quote by Maimonides suggests that beginning one's exploration or understanding of spirituality and religion through the lens of metaphysics can create a muddled and unclear perspective. He warns that this confusion can lead to a significant shift in oneβs beliefs, potentially resulting in complete skepticism or a departure from faith altogether.
In practice
This quote can be used in a discussion about the relationship between philosophy and religion.
If men possessed wisdom, which stands in the same relation to the form of man as the sight to the eye, they would not cause any injury to themselves or to others; for the knowledge of truth removes hatred and quarrels, and prevents mutual injuries.
There are eight rungs in charity. The highest is when you help a man to help himself.
God who preceded all existence is a refuge.
When man possesses a good, sound body that does not overpower him nor disturb the equilibrium in him, he possesses a divine gift. In short, a good constitution facilitates the rule of the soul over the body, but it is not impossible to conquer a bad constitution by training.
If the whole earth is infinitely small in comparison with the sphere of the stars, what is man compared with all these created beings!
One should see the world, and see himself as a scale with an equal balance of good and evil. When he does one good deed the scale is tipped to the good - he and the world is saved. When he does one evil deed the scale is tipped to the bad - he and the world is destroyed.
We have used the Bible as if it was a mere special constable's handbook β an opium-dose for keeping beasts of burden patient while they were being overloaded β a mere book to keep the poor in order.
As a Christian and a feminist, the most important message I can carry and fight for is the sacredness of each human life, and reproductive rights for all women are a crucial part of that. It is a moral necessity that we not be forced to bring children into the world for whom we cannot be responsible and adoring and present. We must not inflict life on children who will be resented; we must not inflict unwanted children on society.
I would never say I was an icon, but so many people have said I am, so I suppose I am. I mean, I can't not be what everyone says I am. But I don't feel like an icon.
I used to be monastic, almost. Now I'm like a Tibetan that has discovered hamburgers and television. I'm catching up on Americana.
I've never allowed my political life, or my life as a basketball player, to define the totality of my humanity or my personality.
Torah values are the ones that inform my life.
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