African americans Quote by Percival Everett
““Why did God set it up like this?” Rachel asked. “With them as masters and us as slaves?” “There is no God, child. There’s religion but there’s no God of theirs. Their religion tells that we will get our reward in the end. However, it apparently doesn’t say anything about their punishment. But when we’re around them, we believe in God. Oh, Lawdy Lawd, we’s be believin’. Religion is just a controlling tool they employ and adhere to when convenient.” “There must be something,” Virgil said. “I’m sorry, Virgil. You might be right. There might be some higher power, children, but it’s not their white God. However, the more you talk about God and Jesus and heaven and hell, the better they feel.” The children said together, “And the better they feel, the safer we are.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: “The Book of Nathan” by Percival Everett, 2005
The passage critiques organized religion as a tool for control, suggesting belief in a higher power is shaped by those in power to comfort and manipulate.
In simple terms: Religion is used to control people and give false comfort.
Key Takeaway
Question authority and seek personal truth.
Themes
religion
control
power
faith
illusion
Mood
skeptical
reflective
critical
Type
philosophical
social commentary
dialogue
When to use this quote
- family dynamics
- education
- political discourse
- personal belief
- community rituals
Key Concepts
theology
social control
psychology
Questions to Reflect On
- What motivations drive people to accept religious narratives?
- How can we distinguish genuine belief from manipulation?
A Different Perspective
It may overlook genuine spiritual experiences and the positive community aspects of faith.
![“Religion tells you to be sincere to yourself and be sincere to everyone else otherwise you cannot assimilate [attain] religion.” quote by Dada Bhagwan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/1e3/dada-bhagwan-31_assimilate_religion-tells-you-to-be-sincere-to-your_2406431.jpg)
