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In the dominant Western religious system, the love of God is essentially the same as the belief in God, in God's existence, God's justice, God's love. The love of God is essentially a thought experience. In the Eastern religions and in mysticism, the love of God is an intense feeling experience of oneness, inseparably linked with the expression of this love in every act of living.

Erich Fromm#44

LoveMysticismReligionSpirituality

About this quote

What does it mean?
Western religion treats love of God as belief and thought, while Eastern traditions view it as a feeling of oneness expressed in daily acts.
In plain terms
Western love of God is about belief while Eastern love is about feeling and action.
What can you take from it?
Consider love of God as practice rather than just belief.

Where it applies

  • spiritual practice
  • comparative religion

Putting it to work

  • integrate faith and action
  • explore mysticism

Questions to consider

  • Is your spiritual love belief or action?
  • How do you express your faith?

Another view

Western traditions also emphasize practice beyond belief.

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