Yes it's centered around a product, but I think the song itself poses an interesting question. What exactly is the reward for leading a good and moral life? The concept of the afterlife is only sustained by belief and individual perception. Some might have no better delight in life than chewing on some peanuts. It's not so critical of religion in general as it is simply posing John's own humorous vision of life after death.
I definately think there is some criticism of a certain type of religious thinking here. The passage:
I definately think there is some criticism of a certain type of religious thinking here. The passage:
'if thine enemy oppresses you
you must
let him opress you some more'
'if thine enemy oppresses you
you must
let him opress you some more'
seems critical in that regard. As does the childishness of the promised reward and the didactic tone (all the 'you must's). It seems Darnielle is satirising religion promising rewards in the afterlife in return for obedience to a church-prescribed lifestyle in this life. Oh, and it IS damn funny :).
seems critical in that regard. As does the childishness of the promised reward and the didactic tone (all the 'you must's). It seems Darnielle is satirising religion promising rewards in the afterlife in return for obedience to a church-prescribed lifestyle in this life. Oh, and it IS damn funny :).
Yes it's centered around a product, but I think the song itself poses an interesting question. What exactly is the reward for leading a good and moral life? The concept of the afterlife is only sustained by belief and individual perception. Some might have no better delight in life than chewing on some peanuts. It's not so critical of religion in general as it is simply posing John's own humorous vision of life after death.
Right on.
Right on.
I definately think there is some criticism of a certain type of religious thinking here. The passage:
I definately think there is some criticism of a certain type of religious thinking here. The passage:
'if thine enemy oppresses you you must let him opress you some more'
'if thine enemy oppresses you you must let him opress you some more'
seems critical in that regard. As does the childishness of the promised reward and the didactic tone (all the 'you must's). It seems Darnielle is satirising religion promising rewards in the afterlife in return for obedience to a church-prescribed lifestyle in this life. Oh, and it IS damn funny :).
seems critical in that regard. As does the childishness of the promised reward and the didactic tone (all the 'you must's). It seems Darnielle is satirising religion promising rewards in the afterlife in return for obedience to a church-prescribed lifestyle in this life. Oh, and it IS damn funny :).