Who but the sports-mad [Norman] Mailer would liken the…
![“Who but the sports-mad [Norman] Mailer would liken the battle between God and the Devil to a game of American football? The contest, for sure, has with [ sic ] own laws (so that after God and the Devil 'tackle a guy, they don't kick him in the head'), but each side is not above cheating—with God…” quote by Christopher Hitchens](https://sms4smile.com/q/img-quotes/b42/christopher-hitchens-117_american-football_who-but-the-sports-mad-norman-mailer-wou_1512423.jpg)
““Who but the sports-mad [Norman] Mailer would liken the battle between God and the Devil to a game of American football? The contest, for sure, has with [ sic ] own laws (so that after God and the Devil 'tackle a guy, they don't kick him in the head'), but each side is not above cheating—with God breaking the rules occasionally by throwing in 'a miracle'. Strangely, Mailer doesn’t mention Jesus in this agonising analogy, but then the notion of the 'super-sub' may be an image too far even for him.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The quote uses football as a metaphor for the cosmic struggle, highlighting that both divine and demonic forces can bend rules, and that the analogy may stretch too far.
In simple terms: Football metaphor shows good vs evil can cheat and break rules.
Key Takeaway
Recognize limits of analogies.
Themes
theology
sports
metaphor
ethics
humor
Mood
wry
critical
thoughtful
Type
analytical
satirical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- Debates on morality
- sports commentary
- literary criticism
- theological discussion
Key Concepts
Free will
divine intervention
rule-breaking
human perception
Questions to Reflect On
- Does comparing divine conflict to sport diminish its seriousness?
- How do rule-breaking actions affect our view of morality?
A Different Perspective
The analogy may oversimplify complex spiritual concepts.