“Spiritual pride is the main spring or at least the main support of all other errors.”
— Jonathan Edwards
Simplified Meaning:
When people feel overly proud of their spirituality or religious beliefs, they tend to look down on others who don't share their views. This kind of pride often leads to other mistakes and wrong behaviors. For example, if someone believes they are spiritually superior, they might become judgmental and less compassionate, thinking they are always right. This can cause conflicts and misunderstandings with those around them. Consider a person who meditates regularly and feels they are more enlightened than their friends. Because of this belief, they might dismiss their friends' opinions or advice, thinking, "I know better because I meditate." This attitude can isolate them and make it hard to learn from others or form meaningful relationships. To avoid this, it's important for everyone to stay humble, recognize that no one has all the answers, and remain open to different perspectives. Being open-minded and respectful helps prevent conflicts and encourages a more peaceful, understanding world.