ProverbWisdom
English origin
English originThe nearer the church the farther from God.
Meaning: Proximity to religious institutions cannot substitute for genuine spiritual devotion or moral integrity.
Origin: An old English proverb, long in use, that living close to religion does not make people more devout. It suggests that those most caught up in the church as an institution are often the least godly.
Equivalents in French, Spanish, German, Italian, and Dutch
French: Près de l’église et loin de Dieu (literally: The nearer the church the farther from God)
Spanish: Cerca de la iglesia, lejos de Dios (literally: Near the church, far from God)
German: Je näher der Kirche, je ferner von Gott (literally: The nearer the church, the farther from God)
Italian: Vicino alla chiesa, lontano da Dio (literally: Near the church, far from God)
Dutch: Hoe dichter bij de paus, hoe slechter christen (literally: The closer to the Pope, the worse the Christian)
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