Chapter 33: Faith

Summary

• In 1960, public confessions of atheism could end a television career, evidenced by the backlash against Elizabeth Zott after she expressed her lack of belief in God on TV.
• Elizabeth faced severe criticism and threats, including those from angry sponsors and viewers, some even calling for her death.
• Walter admonished Elizabeth for speaking openly about her atheism on national television, suggesting that some beliefs should be kept private.
• Elizabeth defended her right to express her beliefs, akin to how others express faith in God or belief in astrology or other things.
• The scene shifts to Reverend Wakely who struggled to find his own faith while dealing with a troubled congregant.
• Reverend Wakely observes his typist, Miss Frask, captivated by Elizabeth Zott's television program, "Supper at Six".
• Elizabeth Zott on her show speaks about the commonality of DNA amongst all humans and stands in solidarity with civil rights leaders, including Rosa Parks.
• During a Q&A on her show, instead of discussing diet recommendations, Elizabeth criticizes the unhealthy beauty standards that influence women to take diet pills.
• Elizabeth suggests rowing as an alternative to dieting and pills, describing it as a challenging but soulful activity, causing confusion when she implies women cannot row.
• Post-show, Frask reveals to Reverend Wakely that she used to work with Elizabeth Zott before they were both fired, and Elizabeth's fame as a syndicated television personality is noted.
• Wakely encounters Madeline and her dog in the park, surprised to learn that Madeline's mother, Elizabeth Zott, is a television figure who recently declared her atheism.
• Wakely comforts Madeline by saying it's okay not to believe in God and mentions he considers science a form of religion.
• Wakely recognizes Madeline's dog, Six-Thirty, and recounts his failed attempt to track down Calvin Evans through the church, only to learn that no record exists.
• Madeline insists that the record of Calvin Evans should exist, and believes that people, including church secretaries, are capable of lying.