He [God] owes me an apology too- at the very least. I'm not saying I shouldn't have been punished for those sins I committed. I'm saying that the punishments he chose were inhuman. I wonder what favor I'd want. I think I may be afraid to ask for it. I'm afraid He won't grant it. I'm more afraid that He will. Wouldn't it be tragic to find out that He really has been here all this time?
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- The speaker feels divine punishment was inhumane and fears God might actually exist and answer.
- In plain terms
- God owes an apology for harsh punishment; finding out He exists could be tragic.
- What can you take from it?
- Faith can feel like betrayal.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Is faith worth the risk?
- What makes punishment inhumane?
Another view
Religious comfort exists for some.
More from Joseph Heller
The wise man dies no better or more wisely than the fool. In what way, then, is the wise man wise?
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Permalink to quote #42 Destiny is a good thing to accept when it's going your way. When it isn't, don't call it destiny; call it injustice, treachery or simple bad luck.
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