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Thus did the Holy Harlots unhinge the brains of man, and when they met and clashed with the pure Mountain Maidens, they raised their white arms high, their armpits smelled of musk, and, as the rites decreed, both fought their verbal war: 'God swoops from mountain peeks to eat and play on earth; we are his food and drink and even his sacred toys - and learn, O sterile maids, we are his soft, sweet mates. Let her now leave who fears to merge with her dread God!' The scornful savage mouth of Krino flashed reply: 'We will not leave! We guard the innocent soul of man! God is a spirit with pure white wings, a soul that sails, light, disembodied, deep in our thoughts, without embrace. It's we who keep the world in bloom with virgin souls!'

Nikos Kazantzakis#107

SpiritualityDivinityReligionWarMoralPurity

About this quote

What does it mean?
Two groups debate the nature of God and the soul, with one emphasizing earthy union and the other spiritual purity.
In plain terms
Some say God wants to merge with us, others say God wants pure, spiritual souls.
What can you take from it?
Spiritual beliefs often clash over the nature of union with the divine.

Where it applies

  • religious debate
  • moral conflict
  • theological study

Putting it to work

  • explore different traditions
  • consider opposing views

Questions to consider

  • What is your view of God?
  • Can purity and earth coexist?

Another view

It oversimplifies complex theological debates.

More from Nikos Kazantzakis

  1. The rosy mountain peaks laughed like high lustrous thoughts, and Helen, speechless, raised her pale hands toward the sun and joyed to feel its warm rays fallin…

    Permalink to quote #106
  2. High up where the poor sat, the people quaked with fear: they saw the soul stretched on the ground, a votive beast beaten by the conflicting powers of light an…

    Permalink to quote #108
  3. The worm stood straight on God's blood-splattered threshold then and beat his drum, beat it again, and raised his throat: 'You've matched all well on earth, wi…

    Permalink to quote #105

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