GERTRUDE Gertrude Appleman, 1901-1976 God is all-knowing…
““GERTRUDE Gertrude Appleman, 1901-1976 God is all-knowing, all-present, and almighty. --A Catechism of Christian Doctrine I wish that all the people who peddle God could watch my mother die: could see the skin and gristle weighing only seventy-nine, every stubborn pound of flesh a small death. I wish the people who peddle God could see her young, lovely in gardens and beautiful in kitchens, and could watch the hand of God slowly twisting her knees and fingers till they gnarled and knotted, settling in for thirty years of pain. I wish the people who peddle God could see the lightning of His cancer stabbing her, that small frame tensing at every shock, her sweet contralto scratchy with the Lord’s infection: Philip, I want to die. I wish I had them gathered round, those preachers, popes, rabbis, imams, priests – every pious shill on God’s payroll – and I would pull the sheets from my mother’s brittle body, and they would fall on their knees at her bedside to be forgiven all their faith.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
A bitter lament exposing the hypocrisy of religious profiteers who claim divine authority while ignoring human suffering.
In simple terms: Condemns religious hypocrisy and suffering.
Key Takeaway
Recognize the gap between belief and action.
Themes
religion
hypocrisy
ufferinguffering
mortality
justice
Mood
anguished
defiant
somber
Type
poetic
protest
lament
When to use this quote
- grieving family
- religious critique
- public speaking
- advocacy
- artistic expression
Key Concepts
theodicy
existential despair
social critique
Questions to Reflect On
- How does faith justify suffering?
- What responsibilities do religious leaders have to the afflicted?
A Different Perspective
The emotional intensity may alienate some audiences, limiting its persuasive power.