In Salman Rushdie's "The Satanic Verses," the author explores the complex relationship between humanity and divinity, illustrating how people have historically manipulated religious beliefs to rationalize their actions. This suggests that individuals often invoke a higher power as a means of justifying immoral or unjust actions, reflecting the inherent contradictions in faith and moral reasoning.

Rushdie's statement highlights a troubling aspect of human nature—the tendency to use religion as a shield for wrongdoing. By pointing out this pattern, he encourages readers to critically examine the ways in which faith can be co-opted to serve personal or political agendas, often resulting in a disconnect between ethical conduct and religious doctrine.