How we cite our quotes: (Entry. Paragraph)
Quote #7
In medieval times, men sought sanctuary in churches. Nowadays, for a nickel, I could find sanctuary in a colored rest room. (20.68)
More everyday things seen through the lens of religion, but this also tells us something else. As a black man, the only place that Griffin feels safe and sound is in the bathroom. What does that tell you about the experience of black people in public spaces like streets and stores?
Quote #8
The contrast was almost too great to be borne. It was a shock, like walking from the dismal swamps into sudden brilliant sunlight. Here all was peace, all silence except for the chanted prayers. Here men know nothing of hatred. They sought to make themselves conform ever more perfectly to God's will, whereas outside I had seen mostly men who sought to make God's will conform to their wretched prejudices. (21.8)
Can't you just hear the angelic chorus? It's probably clean and bright, with little birds chirping in the background. Honestly, after all the bad times Griffin has described to us, his visit to the Trappist monastery is a breath of fresh air.
Quote #9
God is invoked… And He is invoked against the God of the spirit, of intelligence and love—excluding and hating this God. What an extraordinary spiritual phenomenon this is: people believe in God and yet do not know God. The idea of God is affirmed and at the same time disfigured and perverted. He goes on to say that this kind of religion, which declines wisdom, even though it may call itself Christian, is in reality as anti- Christian as is atheism. (21.26)
Do you agree that this type of Christianity is really as anti-Christian as atheism? What does that even mean?