By the Rivers of Babylon Quotes

“Of course, a bridge between earth and Paradise would be a blessing way. And a bridge between earth and Gehenna would be a path leading to torment. But the bridge that appears to lead to Paradise but bends back toward Gehenna may be the worst bridge of all.”
― Michael D. O'Brien, By the Rivers of Babylon: A Novel

“Yet every progress in life comes with this basic problem embedded in it. How will we choose to use the new development? Will we master it, or will it master us, changing us beyond recognition and, in the end, bringing about the loss of our identity?”
― Michael D. O'Brien, By the Rivers of Babylon: A Novel

“We are created to serve him. Never should we be trapped in the spider’s web of thinking he exists only to serve us.”
― Michael D. O'Brien, By the Rivers of Babylon: A Novel

“In time, I begin to see that these men are little by little modifying the words of Scripture, taming them, easing their impact, and by implication weakening the authority of God’s words, bending the faith of our ancestors into a pale reflection of reality.”
― Michael D. O'Brien, By the Rivers of Babylon: A Novel

“You forget,” said Shimeon in a tone of admonition. “You forget that all true prophets bring both warning and consolation. You would have consolations only, which bend your ears toward only those who do not disturb you.”
― Michael D. O'Brien, By the Rivers of Babylon: A Novel