Why Lupa Schwartz Hates Religion

Religion and atheism are recurring themes in the Lupa Schwartz mysteries. I try to write counterpoint characters to represent the theistic viewpoint and the neutral attitude, but Lupa Schwartz’s anti-theism is at the heart of every Lupa Schwartz story. My stories are also pastiche of the Nero Wolfe series (and Sherlock Holmes) so like the series’ grandfather, Rex Stout, who once wrote an essay entitled Why Nero Wolfe Likes Orchids, I have decided to explain Schwartz’s adamant opposition to all things pious.

When people ask me why Lupa Schwartz is a vocal atheist I ask which they want to know about, Schwartz or atheism. Actually nobody has ever asked me that question, but I’m going to answer it anyway. Lupa Schwartz is a vocal atheist because in his brief lifetime he has seen the negative effects of religion and theism – which are two different though intimately connected aspects of the same social ailment.

Theism is the belief that there is a god or gods. Religion is the dogma and doctrine and practices associated with a specific theistic belief. One can be a theist without participating in religion, but one cannot practice religion unless one is a theist, except for atheistic churches – which make no sense. Some of the problems for society which come with religion are obvious, but the theism that infects so many is a bit more subtle in its negative impact. 

It was religion that convinced several young men that flying planes into towers was a free pass into heaven, but it was theism that opened their minds to trust the lies that inspired their actions. That much is obvious. However, theism also leads many to trust that man has dominion over the earth, to strive to please an imaginary creator, to consider one’s self and one’s life to be disposable and temporary and meaningless. Theism therefore leads to science denialism and distrust of others who worship a different god or none. It leads to slut shaming, to abstinence for its own sake, to a decided distancing from joyful things. Not just sex; but alcohol, food, and friendships.

We have but one life and a finite time to experience it. Why avoid so many of the pleasures it offers if when we die we are simply dead? I’m not saying be a hedonist or a nihilist. I’m not saying there are no obligations and no need for restraint. I’m saying carpe diem. I’m saying love deeply, live joyfully, and don’t worry about offending some impossible omniscient and emotional deity who in all likelihood doesn’t even exist anyway?

Bottom line: that is why Lupa Schwartz is a vocal atheist. He doesn’t hate God, but he does hate religion, and for good reason. It’s a waste of time at its most neutral, it’s a burden for non-believers at its most benign, and at its most malignant it is a hindrance to human advancement.