Whether God is dead or not hardly matters, for we would use him no differently anyway

Whether God is dead or not hardly matters, for we would use him no differently anyway

In the context of Joseph Heller, the statement "Whether God is dead or not hardly matters, for we would use him no differently anyway" can be seen as a reflection of the themes present in his most famous work, "Catch-22". Heller's novel explores the absurdity and futility of war, bureaucracy, and the human condition in general. In this context, the idea of whether or not God is dead becomes almost irrelevant, as the characters in the novel are constantly faced with situations that challenge their beliefs and values.

One of the central themes in "Catch-22" is the idea of powerlessness in the face of authority. The characters in the novel are caught in a never-ending cycle of rules and regulations that make it impossible for them to escape the madness of war. In this sense, the existence or non-existence of God does not change the fact that they are ultimately at the mercy of forces beyond their control.

Furthermore, Heller's portrayal of the military bureaucracy in "Catch-22" can be seen as a commentary on the ways in which organized religion can be used to manipulate and control people. In the novel, the characters are constantly subjected to the whims of their superiors, who use their power to enforce arbitrary rules and regulations. This can be seen as a parallel to the ways in which religious institutions have been used throughout history to maintain power and control over the masses.