Formalism (philosophy) - Religion

Religion

Formalism in religion means an emphasis on ritual and observance over their meanings. Within Christianity, the term legalism is a derogatory term that is loosely synonymous to religious formalism.

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Famous quotes containing the word religion:

    That, upon the whole, we may conclude that the Christian religion not only was at first attended with miracles, but even at this day cannot be believed by any reasonable person without one. Mere reason is insufficient to convince us of its veracity: And whoever is moved by Faith to assent to it, is conscious of a continued miracle in his own person, which subverts all the principles of his understanding, and gives him a determination to believe what is most contrary to custom and experience.
    David Hume (1711–1776)

    When Catholicism goes bad it becomes the world-old, world-wide religio of amulets and holy places and priestcraft. Protestantism, in its corresponding decay, becomes a vague mist of ethical platitudes. Catholicism is accused of being too much like all the other religions; Protestantism of being insufficiently like a religion at all. Hence Plato, with his transcendent Forms, is the doctor of Protestants; Aristotle, with his immanent Forms, the doctor of Catholics.
    —C.S. (Clive Staples)

    Not thou nor thy religion dost controule,
    The amorousnesse of an harmonious Soule,
    But thou would’st have that love thy selfe: As thou
    Art jealous, Lord, so I am jealous now,
    Thou lov’st not, till from loving more, thou free
    My soule: Who ever gives, takes libertie:
    O, if thou car’st not whom I love
    Alas, thou lov’st not mee.
    John Donne (1572–1631)