Intellectually I know that America is no better than any other country; emotionally I know she is better than every other country.
Sinclair LewisRead
Upon this theology he rarely pondered. The kernel of his practical religion was that it was respectable, and beneficial to one's business, to be seen going to services; that the church kept the Worst Elements from being still worse; and that the pastor's sermons, however dull they might seem at the time of taking, yet had a voodooistic power which 'did a fellow good-- kept him in touch with Higher Things.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote reflects on the superficial aspects of religion in society and its perceived benefits for maintaining social order and personal image.
Sinclair Lewis critiques the idea that religion is often valued more for its social utility and respectability rather than for genuine spiritual significance. He suggests that many people attend religious services not for true belief but to maintain a respectable image, and while the sermons might seem uneventful, they provide a connection to something greater, serving a functional role in society by keeping moral order.
Themes
ReligionSocietySuperficialityMoralityOrder
In practice
Example use cases
During a discussion on societal norms, one could quote this to illustrate the pragmatic view of religion.
More from Sinclair Lewis
All quotes →Writers kid themselves-about themselves and other people. Take the talk about writing methods. Writing is just work-there's no secret. If you dictate or use a pen or type with your toes-it is just work.
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She did her work with the thoroughness of a mind which reveres details and never quite understands them.
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Writing is just work-there's no secret. If you dictate or use a pen or type or write with your toes-it's still just work.
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It is, I think, an error to believe that there is any need of religion to make life seem worth living.
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There are dozens of young poets and fictioneers most of them a little insane in the tradition of James Joyce, who, however insane they may be, have refused to be genteel and traditional and dull.
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