“Now, as I before hinted, I have no objection to any person’s religion, be it what it may, so long as that person does not kill or insult any other person, because that other person don’t believe it also. But when a man’s religion becomes really frantic; when it is a positive torment to him; and, in fine, makes this earth of ours an uncomfortable inn to lodge in, then I think it high time to take that individual aside and argue the point with him.” Ishmael – From Moby-Dick by Herman Melville.
There is my favorite quote on religion. SPOT ON HERMAN!
This is my favorite book. Filled as it is with adventure, biology, multiculturalism, humor and a big hard blast at religion. I am sur we are all aware that the theme of the book is how religion is used to celebrate revenge and vengeance which most always ends horrifically. But I found it more about how even Joe Sixpack – Ishmael – and the educated man – Starbuck – can get caught up in the horror of religious fervor. Spoiler: Everyone dies but one who survives on the coffin of a non Christian savage.
BTW, Moby Dick was mostly a flop during Melville’s life and did not become the classic it has until well into the 20th Century.
And while I am at it, here is what I believe to be the greatest lead in paragraph in American Literature.
Call me Ishmael. Some years ago-never mind how long precisely-having little or no money in my purse, and nothing particular to interest me at home, I thought I would move about a little and see the watery part of the world. It is a way I have of driving off the spleen, and regulating the circulation. Whenever I find myself growing grim about the mouth; whenever it is a damp, drizzly November in my soul; whenever I find myself involuntarily pausing before coffin warehouses, and bringing up the rear of every funeral I meet; and especially whenever my hypos get such an upper hand of me, that it requires a strong moral principle to prevent me from deliberately stepping into the street, and methodically knocking people’s hats off – then, I account it high time to get to sea as soon as I can.