Meaning: The quote is from Anne McCaffrey, a renowned science fiction and fantasy author best known for her "Dragonriders of Pern" series. In this quote, McCaffrey addresses the absence of organized religion in her fictional world of Pern. She explains that she made a deliberate choice not to incorporate organized religion into the society of Pern because she felt that, given the prevalence of real-world religious conflicts and holy wars at the time of writing, it was a problem that Pern did not need.

The absence of organized religion in Pern is a significant aspect of the world-building in McCaffrey's series. Pern is a planet inhabited by humans who have colonized it from Earth, and the society depicted in the books is shaped by a unique blend of technology and dragon-riding, as well as a complex social and political structure. The absence of organized religion sets Pern apart from many other fictional worlds and allows for an exploration of moral and ethical questions without the influence of traditional religious institutions.

McCaffrey's decision to exclude organized religion from the world of Pern reflects her desire to create a society that is free from the conflicts and divisions often associated with religious beliefs and practices. By doing so, she is able to focus on other aspects of her world-building and storytelling, such as the relationships between humans and dragons, the challenges of survival in a harsh environment, and the exploration of themes related to human nature and society.

The absence of organized religion on Pern does not mean that spirituality and belief are entirely absent from the series. Throughout the "Dragonriders of Pern" books, there are references to the characters' personal beliefs, rituals, and a sense of connection to something greater than themselves. However, these elements are not institutionalized or organized into formal religious structures, allowing for a more individual and diverse expression of spirituality among the inhabitants of Pern.

In many ways, McCaffrey's decision to omit organized religion from Pern can be seen as a commentary on the role of religion in society. By portraying a world where organized religion does not exist, she prompts readers to consider the impact of religion on human history and the potential for conflict and division that can arise from religious differences. At the same time, the absence of organized religion on Pern opens up the possibility for characters to explore their own beliefs and values in a more personal and individualized manner.

Overall, Anne McCaffrey's choice to exclude organized religion from the world of Pern is a deliberate and thought-provoking decision that shapes the society and culture depicted in her "Dragonriders of Pern" series. By doing so, she creates a unique fictional world that offers readers the opportunity to engage with themes of spirituality, morality, and human nature in a distinct and compelling way.