Whenever we find that our religious life is making us feel that we are good - above all, that we are better than someone else - I think we may be sure that we are being acted on, not by God, but by the devil.
Using religion to elevate oneself above others debauches the nature of faith. A spiritual pride imparts not virtue, but a corruption of compassion and wisdom. It obscures both the true nature of the observer and the observed; and serves to promote a venal mindset. Selling integrity for self aggravation squanders morality and purchases the squalid comfort of feigned superiority; a bargain where only evil gains. Humility demands a recognition of one's own shortcomings, along with an acceptance that each person must deal with their own demons.
One can't sanctify personal vice by the desecration of others; this only worsens the better of both.
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