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The Cream of the Jest · Theme
Religion and Mortality
How The Cream of the Jest develops Religion and Mortality.
The book critiques organized religion as a promise of a better 'tomorrow' that distracts from the present, while also confronting the fear of death and the human need for transcendence.
Where it surfaces
- XXIII: Economic Considerations of Piety
The chapter explores how religious belief is manipulated for political and economic ends, and how martyrdom is seen as essential for the survival of faith.
- XXVI: “Epper Si Muove”
Kennaston critiques religion for promising a better tomorrow while urging disregard for the present, and contrasts it with art.