Now THERE'S a hollow state to be in, isn't it - to believe in God and get no sign that He's there

Now THERE'S a hollow state to be in, isn't it - to believe in God and get no sign that He's there

In Joseph Heller's novel "Catch-22," the character of Chaplain Tappman struggles with his faith in God amidst the chaos and absurdity of war. The quote, "Now THERE'S a hollow state to be in, isn't it - to believe in God and get no sign that He's there," encapsulates the Chaplain's internal conflict and the existential crisis he faces throughout the novel.

Chaplain Tappman is a man of faith, dedicated to serving the spiritual needs of the soldiers in his unit. However, as the war drags on and the senseless violence and suffering continue unabated, he begins to question the existence of a benevolent higher power. Despite his prayers and pleas for guidance, he receives no tangible sign or reassurance that God is listening or that He cares about the plight of humanity.

The Chaplain's crisis of faith is exacerbated by the absurdity of the military bureaucracy and the arbitrary rules and regulations that govern the lives of the soldiers. In the face of such senseless cruelty and injustice, it becomes increasingly difficult for him to reconcile his belief in a just and loving God with the harsh realities of war.

Heller uses the Chaplain's struggle with his faith to explore larger themes of existentialism, the nature of belief, and the search for meaning in a chaotic and indifferent universe. The quote highlights the profound sense of isolation and despair that can accompany a crisis of faith, as well as the difficulty of finding solace and comfort in a world that seems devoid of divine intervention.

Ultimately, the Chaplain's journey is a poignant and thought-provoking exploration of the complexities of faith and the human capacity for resilience in the face of uncertainty and doubt. Heller's portrayal of the Chaplain's struggle serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring questions and challenges that confront all believers in their quest for spiritual fulfillment and understanding.