Meaning: The quote "Why did men worship in churches, locking themselves away in the dark, when the world lay beyond its doors in all its real glory?" by Charles Lint, raises thought-provoking questions about the nature of religious worship and the human perception of the divine. This quote encapsulates a sentiment that has been echoed throughout history, challenging the traditional understanding of religious practices and the human experience of spirituality. Charles de Lint, a Canadian writer known for his works in the urban fantasy genre, often weaves philosophical and introspective themes into his writing, and this quote is a testament to his contemplative approach to storytelling.

The quote questions the rationale behind the act of worshiping in churches, symbolized as dark and enclosed spaces, when the world outside is portrayed as holding the fullness of real glory. At its core, this quote invites reflection on the dichotomy between the sacred and the secular, the spiritual and the material, and the perceived boundaries between them. It draws attention to the human tendency to seek transcendence and meaning within the confines of religious institutions, while the natural world, with all its splendor and wonder, remains seemingly overlooked.

The imagery of "locking themselves away in the dark" evokes a sense of confinement and separation from the external world. It suggests a disconnect between the human experience of worship and the expansive beauty of the universe that surrounds us. This raises the question of why individuals choose to confine their spiritual expressions to designated spaces, often characterized by solemnity and introspection, when the world outside these spaces is portrayed as teeming with real glory.

In contemplating this quote, one may consider the historical and cultural contexts in which religious practices have evolved. Throughout history, churches and other places of worship have served as focal points for communal gatherings, prayer, and religious rituals. These spaces have provided sanctuaries for introspection, solace, and connection with the divine. However, the quote by Charles de Lint challenges the notion of exclusive spiritual revelation within these confined settings and encourages a broader perspective on the potential sources of divine inspiration and awe.

The juxtaposition of the "dark" interior of the church with the "real glory" of the world outside prompts contemplation about the perceived dichotomy between the sacred and the profane. It calls into question the human tendency to compartmentalize spiritual experiences and the natural world, as if they exist in separate realms. This sentiment resonates with the idea that the divine can be encountered not only within the structured confines of religious institutions but also in the vastness of nature, the interconnectedness of all life, and the transcendent experiences found in the everyday world.

Furthermore, the quote may prompt consideration of the role of human perception in shaping religious experiences. The notion of "real glory" existing beyond the doors of the church invites contemplation about the ways in which individuals perceive and interpret the divine or the sacred. It raises the possibility that profound spiritual experiences and encounters with the divine can occur outside the traditional trappings of religious spaces, inviting individuals to seek and embrace spiritual meaning in the natural world and the totality of human experience.

In conclusion, Charles de Lint's quote challenges conventional perspectives on religious worship and spiritual experience, emphasizing the expansive beauty and real glory of the world beyond the confines of traditional places of worship. It encourages individuals to contemplate the interconnectedness of the sacred and the natural, and to seek profound experiences of the divine in the richness of the world around them. This quote serves as a thought-provoking invitation to reconsider the boundaries of spiritual exploration and to embrace the possibility of encountering transcendence beyond the confines of darkened church walls.