Original artwork, not a still
A Grief Observed · 1961
Talk to me about the truth of religion and I'll listen gladly. Talk to me about the duty of religion and I'll listen submissively. But don't come talking to me about the consolations of religion or I shall suspect that you don't understand.
Behind the line
What it means
Our interpretation.
The speaker welcomes discussion of religion's truth and accepts its demands, but resists being offered comfort through it. That contrast suggests consolation would miss something essential about the speaker's experience. The warning challenges anyone who assumes religion should necessarily make a painful situation easier.
Context reviewed
