This separation is often cited as emphasizing Murakami’s view of religion as a negative force, which lies in opposition to normal, everyday life; however, Murakami is quite silent about his personal religious beliefs.
Denne adskillelse er ofte nævnt som en  understregelse Murakamis opfattelse af religion som en negativ kraft, der står i opposition til det normale, daglige liv; men Murakami er helt tavs om sin personlige religiøse tro.