Quote 10
"But religion helps us to face our own mortality." I spoke to her like she was the only person in the room.
She stared at me through a curtain of razor cut bangs. "I agree. Religion is a wonderful pacifier for people who are afraid of death. Every religion—"
"We're all afraid of death," I interrupted.
Our eyes locked again. Then she pulled her gaze from mine and faced the front of the room. I fell back against my seat as if I had been released from a giant magnet.
Dermott glanced at me then his eyes fell on her. "Well, do you agree with him, Dani?"
"Yes, we're all afraid of death, but we all have different levels of acceptance." She paused. "Some people even search out death." She stopped and I could see her close her eyes for a second like she blinked back tears. (11.20-25)
This is a pretty intense conversation for a high school classroom. Is Jake right? Does religion help us deal with death? Do we feel better about shuffling off this mortal coil if we think there's something waiting? Are we really all afraid of death? Gah—deep questions.