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Suppose the neutral angels were able to talk to Yahweh and Lucifer- God and Satan, to use their popular titles- into settling out of court. What would be the terms of the compromise? Specifically, how would they divide the assets of their earthly kingdom? Would God be satisfied to take loaves and fishes and itty-bitty thimbles of Communion wine, while allowing Satan to have the redeye Gravy, eighteen ounce New York steak, and buckets of chilled champagne? Would God really accept twice-a-month lovemaking for procreative purposes and give Satan the all-night, no-holds-barred, nasty 'can't-get-enough-of-you' hot-as-hell fucks?

Tom Robbins#110

HumorReligionCultureMythMythologySatireTheology

About this quote

What does it mean?
Robbins imagines a negotiation between God and Satan, humorously dividing mundane and extravagant earthly resources between them.
In plain terms
He jokes about God taking simple gifts while Satan gets lavish treats.
What can you take from it?
Use humor to explore serious theological ideas.

Where it applies

  • creative writing
  • debates about good and evil

Putting it to work

  • write satirical dialogues
  • use absurdity to question beliefs

Questions to consider

  • What does this satire reveal about our views on morality?
  • How does humor affect theological discussion?

Another view

The scenario is purely fictional and not meant as serious doctrine.

More from Tom Robbins

  1. Moreover, given the unpleasant option of having to associate with either the self-satisfied beautiful or the self-pitying plain, he'd choose the former every t…

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  2. 'The Devil doesn't make us do anything. The Devil, for example, doesn't make us mean. Rather, when we're mean, we make the Devil. Literally. Our actions create…

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  3. 'The more advertising I see, the less I want to buy'

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