In "A Prayer for Owen Meany," John Irving explores themes of faith and existential belief, asserting that there are only three realms of existence: life on Earth, heaven, and hell. The notion of Purgatory, often associated with Catholicism, is dismissed as an artificial creation, emphasizing a more binary understanding of the afterlife. This perspective reflects a deeper quest for meaning and the consequences of one's actions during their earthly life.

The statement challenges traditional religious concepts and encourages readers to contemplate the moral implications of their choices. By framing life as a direct precursor to eternal destinations, Irving prompts an examination of personal faith, accountability, and the interplay between destiny and free will in shaping one's path toward salvation or damnation.