They are hypocrites, they think the Church is a cage to keep God in, so he will stay locked up there and not go wandering about the earth during the week, poking his nose into their business, and looking in the depths and darkness and doubleness of their hearts, and their lack of true charity; and they believed they need only be bothered about him on Sundays when they have their best clothes on and their faces straight, and their hands washed and their gloves on, and their stories all prepared.
In this quote from "Alias Grace" by Margaret Atwood, the speaker critiques individuals who view the Church as a restrictive institution meant to confine God to a specific time and space. They believe that by attending services on Sunday and presenting their best selves, they can fulfill their religious obligations while ignoring the moral implications of their daily lives. This perspective highlights a disconnect between one's public persona and private morality, suggesting a hypocrisy in how they engage with faith.
Additionally, the quote underscores a fear of divine scrutiny in the everyday lives of these individuals. It implies that they prefer to keep God at bay during the week, lest their behaviors and true intentions come under examination. This critique serves to call out a shallow understanding of faith, where people seek to maintain an outward appearance of virtue without addressing the complexities and imperfections of their true selves.
