5 Nikos Kazantzakis Quotes on Religion

Nikos Kazantzakis quotes on religion

5. God, what is all this talk put out by the popes? Paradise is here, my good man. God, give me no other paradise!

58. Pain is not the only essence of our God, nor is hope in a future life or a life on this earth, neither joy nor victory. Every religion that holds up to worship one of these primordial aspects of God narrows our hearts and our minds. The essence of our God is STRUGGLE. Pain, joy, and hope unfold and labor within this struggle, world without end.

107. 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!'

132. In religions which have lost their creative spark, the gods eventually become no more than poetic motifs or ornaments for decorating human solitude and walls.

138. Three kinds of souls, three prayers: 1) I am a bow in your hands, Lord. Draw me, lest I rot. 2) Do not overdraw me, Lord. I shall break. 3) Overdraw me, Lord, and who cares if I break.