Haven't you got anything humorous that stays away from waters and valleys and God? I'd like to keep away from the subject of religion altogether if we can."The chaplain was apologetic. "I'm sorry, sir, but just about all the prayers I know rather somber in tone and make at least some passing reference to God.
The quote reflects a humorous exchange between a character and a chaplain in Joseph Heller's "Catch-22." The protagonist expresses a desire for light-hearted, non-religious content, distancing himself from serious themes such as faith and spirituality. This sets a tone of absurdity typical of the book, as characters navigate the complexities and ironies of war.
The chaplain, however, is somewhat constrained by his role, acknowledging that most of the prayers he knows carry a solemn tone and inevitably mention God. This interaction illustrates the struggle between personal beliefs and the expectations placed upon individuals, highlighting the book's broader themes of bureaucracy and the often darkly comedic nature of life in wartime.