And enough for me that when my hand touched your shoulder, you leaned on me; and when you felt me slip away, you called my name.
Orson Scott CardRead
Do the gods of different nations talk to each other?...Is there some annual get-together where they compare each other's worshippers? Mine will bow their faces to the floor and trace woodgrain lines for me, says one. Mine will sacrifice animals, says another. Mine will kill anyone who insults me, says a third. Here is the question I think of most often: "Are there any who can honestly boast, My worshippers obey my good laws, and treat each other kindly, and live simple generous lives?
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote questions the nature of divine beings and their interactions, contrasting rituals while seeking a true measure of goodness among worshippers.
In this thought-provoking quote, Orson Scott Card raises questions about the gods of various nations and how they perceive each other's followers' practices. He challenges the idea of divinity by highlighting the differing rituals and sacrifices made in their names, ultimately seeking to understand if any god can take pride in having followers who genuinely embody virtues of kindness, generosity, and moral integrity, rather than merely following harsh laws or violent traditions.
Themes
GodsWorshipMoralityKindnessRitualsGoodness
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a discussion on the differences in religious practices during a philosophy class.
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You take a step, then another. That's the journey. But to take a step with your eyes open is not a journey at all, it's a remaking of your own mind.
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I've had your tears with mine, and you've had mine with yours. I think that's more intimate even than a kiss.
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