Birthright

an opponent. It's people like us that keep people like you in business.”

“Believe me, Pilar,” he said, “nothing could make me happier than seeing an end to all poverty and misery.”

“And what would you do with all that spare time?” “I would spend all my waking hours praising God for His benevolence,” said Mihal devoutly. “Really? And do you spend all your present waking hours condemning Him for forsaking us?” “Of course not!” said Mihal. “I ask Him to forgive us for the sins we have committed during our long and bloody history, and for which we are now suffering.” “Oh,” said Pilar.

“Do you feel that this is incorrect?”

“I'm not a priest, and I don't know very much about religion,” said Pilar, “but if it was me, I'd ask Him to keep His hands off and let us climb back to the top of the heap if we can.” “I find it very disquieting to see so many people who possess this sort of attitude,” said Mihal. “After all, if you can acknowledge God's existence, then surely...” “Oh, I believe in God, all right,” said Pilar. “I just believe in Man more.” “Isn't that a little inconsistent?” asked Mihal gently. “Look around you, Per Mihal,” said Pilar, gesturing toward the dust-covered streets and crumbling buildings. “This is God's handiwork. Then look at Deluros, or Caliban, or Earth. Man built them.” “Man built them,” agreed Mihal, “but only by the grace of God. Only God can create a world.” “True,” said Pilar, “but only Man can put it to use. I view it as a kind of partnership. God provides, and we dispose. Only God hasn't been providing very well these days.” “Then we must ask His forgiveness for whatever we've done to offend Him.” “I respect God too much to lie to Him, and I'd be lying if I said I was sorry for anything Man has done. Religion is supposed to be a spiritual crutch, Per Mihal. If it forces us to lie and grovel, it's not acting as a crutch—it's amputating our legs in order to attain God's sympathy. What kind of deity could be fooled like that?”

“Nobody wants you to lie, Pilar,” said Mihal. “What religion tries to do is give you an awareness of your relationship to God. Once you understand that relationship, asking forgiveness won't be a lie.” “Don't you feel a certain measure of pride in what we've done?” asked Pilar. “Man, in his time, has walked on a million alien worlds and bent Nature to his will. He gave shape and scope and meaning to the galaxy. Why should I be ashamed of that?” “Look where it got us,” said Mihal.