Chapterhouse: Dune – Entry #6

Frank Herbert’s interest in religion is clear throughout the Dune saga.  Use, misuse, and abuse of religion is a theme throughout.  Aside from the religions of Muad’dib, the Fish Speakers, the Fremen, those fostered by the Missionaria Protectiva, and more, Frank Herbert took pieces of the prevalent religions of our time here on Earth.  Examples include the Orange Catholic Bible, Buddhislam, the Shariat, sutras, and then here in his last book, the Jews.  Since I am Jewish, it certainly peaks my interest.

The drawbacks of anyone placing considerable reliance on intellectual achievements were large.

(Chapterhouse: Dune, p. 193)

A thought that was brought to Rebecca’s attention from Bene Gesserit Other Memory as she was observing the Rabbi’s oscillations between emotional and intellectual behavior.  “Our Jewish susceptibility.  Look at the intellectuals!” (Chapterhouse: Dune, p. 193).  Other Memory required her to re-evaluate everything she had learned or believed.  “Our gods should mature as we mature.” (Chapterhouse: Dune, p. 193)