Like Jesus centuries before him, the Master warned people about religion because, left to itself, it sanctified the blind observance of the law. This is how he put it:
A commanding officer was asking some recruits why walnut was used for the butt of a rifle.
“Because it has more resistance,” said one man.
“Wrong!”
“Because it has more elasticity,” said another.
“Wrong again!”
“Perhaps because it has a better shine than other woods,” said a third.
“Don’t be a fool,” said the C.O. “Walnut is used because it is laid down in the regulations.”
– Anthony de Mello, More One Minute Nonsense
Mind / Purpose / Truth 