"One can't found a novel theology on Nothing,
and nothing is so secure a foundation as a contradiction. Look at the great successes of the past--they say their deities are the masters of all universes, and yet they require grandmothers to defend them, as if they were children frightened by poultry. Or that the authority that punishes no one while there exists a chance for reformation will punish everyone when there is no possibility anyone will become better for it.”
― Gene Wolfe, The Shadow of the Torturer
I asked Chat GPT to enlightened and I think it gave a nice answer since I love this quote:
[quote]This passage from Gene Wolfe's "The Shadow of the Torturer" touches upon themes of theology, contradiction, and authority.
The first part suggests that attempting to establish a new theology or belief system from a foundation of nothingness is inherently flawed. Instead, the author proposes that contradictions can serve as a more secure foundation. Contradictions challenge conventional wisdom and provoke deeper thought, thus offering a more stable basis for theological exploration.
The passage then critiques certain aspects of established religions by highlighting perceived inconsistencies or paradoxes. For example, it questions the need for powerful deities to rely on human defenders, portraying them as vulnerable and childlike. Additionally, it questions the logic of an authority figure that refrains from punishment when there is a chance for rehabilitation but suddenly becomes punitive when such a chance no longer exists. This critique underscores the arbitrary nature of some religious or moral systems.
Overall, the passage encourages readers to scrutinize the foundations of belief systems and authority structures, suggesting that contradictions and paradoxes may reveal deeper truths about the human condition and the nature of power.[/quote]
― Gene Wolfe, The Shadow of the Torturer
I asked Chat GPT to enlightened and I think it gave a nice answer since I love this quote:
[quote]This passage from Gene Wolfe's "The Shadow of the Torturer" touches upon themes of theology, contradiction, and authority.
The first part suggests that attempting to establish a new theology or belief system from a foundation of nothingness is inherently flawed. Instead, the author proposes that contradictions can serve as a more secure foundation. Contradictions challenge conventional wisdom and provoke deeper thought, thus offering a more stable basis for theological exploration.
The passage then critiques certain aspects of established religions by highlighting perceived inconsistencies or paradoxes. For example, it questions the need for powerful deities to rely on human defenders, portraying them as vulnerable and childlike. Additionally, it questions the logic of an authority figure that refrains from punishment when there is a chance for rehabilitation but suddenly becomes punitive when such a chance no longer exists. This critique underscores the arbitrary nature of some religious or moral systems.
Overall, the passage encourages readers to scrutinize the foundations of belief systems and authority structures, suggesting that contradictions and paradoxes may reveal deeper truths about the human condition and the nature of power.[/quote]
36-40, F