Do the gods of different nations talk to each other?...Is there some annual get-together where they compare each other's worshippers? Mine will bow their faces to the floor and trace woodgrain lines for me, says one. Mine will sacrifice animals, says another. Mine will kill anyone who insults me, says a third. Here is the question I think of most often: Are there any who can honestly boast, My worshippers obey my good laws, and treat each other kindly, and live simple generous lives?
by Orson Scott Card
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The quote contemplates whether deities from various cultures communicate with each other, pondering the nature of their followers' worship. It suggests a humorous rivalry among the gods, where they share the ways their devotees show loyalty, from prostration to animal sacrifices, and even violent retribution for insults. Each god seems to take pride in their followers' displays of devotion, highlighting the diverse practices of worship across different belief systems.

The speaker then raises a profound question, searching for any god whose followers embody kindness, generosity, and adherence to good laws. This inquiry reflects a yearning for a spirituality that transcends fear and violence, promoting a more compassionate way of life among devotees. The passage encourages reflection on the nature of worship and the values upheld by various religions, challenging the reader to consider the moral implications of their beliefs.

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