If in my life I fail completely to heed others, solely out of a desire to be 'devout' and to perform my 'religious duties', then my relationship with God will also grow arid. It becomes merely 'proper', but loveless.
Pope Benedict XviRead
It is rational to believe, as it is our very existence that is at stake.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote emphasizes the importance of belief in the face of existential threats.
Pope Benedict XVI suggests that our belief systems are not just abstract ideas but are essential for our existence and well-being. In times of uncertainty or crisis, fostering a rational belief can provide the strength and purpose needed to face the fundamental challenges of life.
Themes
BeliefExistenceRationalityFaithPhilosophy
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about faith and resilience during difficult times.
More from Pope Benedict Xvi
All quotes βThe life of the community, both domestically and internationally, clearly demonstrates that respect for rights, and the guarantees that follow from them, are measures of the common good that serve to evaluate the relationship between justice and injustice, development and poverty, security and conflict.
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If you follow the will of God, you know that in spite of all the terrible things that happen to you, you will never lose a final refuge. You know that the foundation of the world is love, so that even when no human being can or will help you, you may go on, trusting in the One that loves you.
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I am consoled by the fact that the Lord knows how to work and how to act, even with insufficient tools.
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Faith is above all a personal, intimate encounter with Jesus, and to experience [His] closeness, [His] friendship, [His] Love; only in this way does one learn to know [Him] ever more, and to love and follow [Him] ever more. May this happen to each one of us.
Pope Benedict XviRead
Do not be afraid of seeming different and being criticized for what might seem to be losing or out of fashion; your peers but adults too, especially those who seem more distant from the mindset and values of the Gospel, are crying out to see someone who dares to live according to the fullness of humanity revealed by Jesus Christ.
Pope Benedict XviRead
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Most people, in fact, will not take the trouble in finding out the truth, but are much more inclined to accept the first story they hear.
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To examine the causes of life, we must first have recourse to death.
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