In Herman Melville's correspondence, he reflects on the complex feelings many people have towards God. He suggests that a deep-seated fear and dislike of God stems from a fundamental distrust of His character. People tend to view God as a mechanical being, defined by intellect rather than emotion, which makes it difficult for them to connect with Him in a meaningful way.

This perception can lead to a lack of genuine faith, as individuals may feel that God is distant or impersonal. Instead of seeing God as a loving and compassionate entity, they might regard Him merely as an abstract force ruled by logic and thought. This disconnect highlights the struggle to reconcile belief with personal feelings, affecting how people relate to the divine.