"He who begins by loving Christianity more than Truth, will proceed by loving his sect or church better than Christianity, and end in loving himself better than all"
- Samuel Taylor Coleridge
About this Quote
This quote by Samuel Taylor Coleridge is a warning against the risks of spiritual extremism. It suggests that when somebody starts by caring Christianity more than truth, they will ultimately become so devoted to their own sect or church that they will prioritize it over Christianity itself. This can lead to an individual ending up being so focused on their own beliefs that they will end up loving themselves more than anything else. This can be unsafe as it can lead to a person ending up being narrow-minded and intolerant of other beliefs. Coleridge's quote is a suggestion to stay open-minded and to focus on fact over any particular religion. It is very important to remember that truth is more crucial than any one religious beliefs, which it is necessary to respect and accept the beliefs of others.
"The Church knew what the psalmist knew: Music praises God. Music is well or better able to praise him than the building of the church and all its decoration; it is the Church's greatest ornament"
"I have a friend who lives in the South Side of Chicago. I helped out at a church charity there where they try to give a bit of cohesion to a desperate area. Everyone was very welcoming"
"I see no faults in the Church, and therefore let me be resurrected with the Saints, whether I ascend to heaven or descend to hell, or go to any other place. And if we go to hell, we will turn the devils out of doors and make a heaven of it"
"With reference to other religions, the Church sees a great difference between them and herself. The other religions are expressions of the human soul seeking God, with some beautiful spiritual insights, but also not without errors. Christianity is rather God seeking humanity"
"The real act of marriage takes place in the heart, not in the ballroom or church or synagogue. It's a choice you make - not just on your wedding day, but over and over again - and that choice is reflected in the way you treat your husband or wife"
