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Today we often think that before we start living a religious life we have first to accept the creedal doctrines and that before one can have any comprehension of the loyalty and trust of faith, one must first force one's mind to accept a host of incomprehensible doctrines. But this is to put the cart before the horse.
Karen Armstrong
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Interpretation

What this quote means

A genuine religious life does not require blind acceptance of doctrines; rather, it should stem from a deeper understanding and trust in faith.

Karen Armstrong suggests that many people mistakenly believe that they must first adhere to a set of religious doctrines before they can genuinely engage in a religious life. However, she argues that this approach is misguided, as true loyalty and trust in faith should arise naturally rather than being forced upon an individual by dogma. The essence of spirituality and faith encompasses understanding and personal connection, rather than mere acceptance of established beliefs.

Themes

FaithDoctrineReligionTrustUnderstanding

In practice

Example use cases

This quote can be used in a lecture on the nature of faith in religious studies.

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