# Religion and Mortality in The Cream of the Jest

> Theme guide for The Cream of the Jest by James Branch Cabell.

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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_cream_of_the_jest_se/chapters/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”](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_cream_of_the_jest_se/chapters/xxvi-epper-si-muove): Kennaston critiques religion for promising a better tomorrow while urging disregard for the present, and contrasts it with art.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_cream_of_the_jest_se/themes/religion_and_mortality
- Themes index: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_cream_of_the_jest_se/themes