Religion, certainly in the U.K., used to hold our fears and our discussions about death. That's where we saw death, in church or in funerals, and that helped us and provided us with a way through. I say this as an atheist.

In this quote, Liz Carr reflects on the historical role of religion in helping people cope with death and the fear surrounding it. She points out that in the past, particularly in the U.K., religion provided a framework for understanding death—through rituals like church services and funerals—offering people comfort and a sense of purpose during times of grief. Carr suggests that these religious practices helped individuals make sense of mortality and gave them a shared space to confront the inevitable, making death less of a taboo and more a part of the natural life cycle.

However, Carr also highlights an important contrast: she says this from the perspective of an atheist. This reveals her personal stance on religion, implying that even though she doesn't believe in a higher power, she recognizes the historical significance and psychological utility of religious practices in dealing with death. Her statement reveals a certain respect for the role of religion in offering comfort, even if she doesn't share the faith or beliefs that give rise to these practices. It’s a reflection of how culture and ritual—even for non-believers—can shape the way people navigate life’s greatest uncertainties.

The origin of this quote lies in Carr’s personal and professional experiences. As a well-known actress, disability rights advocate, and atheist, she has often spoken about her views on religion and death. In her career, she has explored themes of life, death, and identity, especially in the context of the disabled community. Carr’s remarks about religion’s role in death rituals come from her broader perspective on how society handles tough subjects, especially in a world increasingly influenced by secularism and individual belief systems.

Carr's insight into how religion has historically dealt with death invites reflection on how people cope with profound existential questions today. She acknowledges that even as society becomes less religious, the need to process death remains constant, and in the absence of religion, new ways of dealing with death and loss must emerge. This quote challenges us to think about how we find meaning and comfort in modern society, especially in a world where religion is no longer the sole institution guiding us through these inevitable life experiences.