What is religion? That which is never spoken.

"Last evening one of our neighbors, who has just completed a costly house and front yard, the most showy in the village, illuminated it.  I read in great letters before the house entrance 'Glory to God in the highest.'  But it seemed to me that that was not a sentiment to be illuminated, but to keep dark about.  A simple and genuine sentiment of reverence would not emblazon these words as on a signboard in the streets.  They were exploding countless crackers beneath it, and gay company, passing in and out, made it a kind of housewarming.  I felt a kind of shame for it, and was inclined to pass quickly by, the ideas of indecent exposure and cant being suggested.  What is religion?  That which is never spoken."

Henry David  Thoreau

Photo: Mist and snow, Rocky Mountain National Park, CO