"La verdadera religión, en gran medida, consiste en afectos santos."

The crux of this idea is that genuine faith or spirituality isn't just about going through the motions—it's about having deep, heartfelt emotions and passions for what you believe in. Think of it like this: true religion isn't just following rules or attending services; it's about having a sincere, emotional connection to your beliefs and values.

Back in the day, this was a big topic. Especially during times when religion was a dominant force in society, people often debated what it meant to be truly religious. This quote likely emerged from such discussions, emphasizing that it's not enough to just act religious—you have to feel it, too.

Imagine this: Let's say there's a person named Sarah. She goes to her local church every Sunday, participates in all the rituals, and even volunteers for church activities. But, if Sarah is just doing these things out of habit or because she feels she has to, she might be missing the point. On the other hand, if Sarah genuinely feels a deep love, joy, and passion for her faith—if it moves her emotionally and brings her closer to what she believes is divine—then she's truly embracing her religion.

So, how can you apply this wisdom in your own life? Start by reflecting on what you genuinely care about. If you follow a religion or spiritual path, think about how it makes you feel. Do the practices and teachings resonate with you on a deep, emotional level? If not, maybe it's time to explore what truly moves you. Sometimes it's about finding practices that align more closely with your inner feelings. Other times, it's about fostering that emotional connection by being more mindful and present in your spiritual activities.

Here's a little story to illustrate. Picture a man named John. John grew up in a religious family, and he's been attending his local mosque since he was a kid. For years, he recited prayers and observed rituals almost mechanically. One day, he met a friend who shared their experiences of feeling a profound connection to their faith—how it brought them peace and joy. This conversation sparked something in John. He started to pay attention to how he felt during prayers, reflecting on their meanings, and allowing himself to feel gratitude and love. Over time, John's religious practices transformed from routine actions to meaningful expressions of his beliefs.

In essence, it's about making sure that what you practice isn't just a checkbox on your to-do list. It's about letting your beliefs and values touch your heart and guide your actions with genuine emotion. When you feel passionate and connected, your faith becomes a living, breathing part of your life—something that truly enriches and guides you.

So, next time you're involved in any spiritual or religious activity, pause and check in with your emotions. Are you feeling connected, uplifted, and inspired? If not, maybe it's time to dig deeper and find that holy affection that brings your faith to life.