The Misery Metaphor

As Nietzsche describes the everyday struggle of followers of "God", he creates a metaphor that reminds me of a recent fallen hero, Michael Vick. Nietzsche writes, "They are miserable, no doubt of it, all these mutterers and nook counterfeiters, although they crouch warmly together--but they tell me misery is a sign of being chosen by God; one beats the dogs one likes best" (47). Although, Nietzsche directly cites the illegal actions committed by Michael Vick, this metaphor contain further hidden significance. Nietzsche compares beating your favorite dog to being a devout follower of God. As a Christian I do not fully comprehend this metaphor. It seems to me that following is more rewarding than punishing. It seems simply that Nietzsche's perspective and mine are from different origins. As a Christian, I see people praying as a time of serenity and peace with God, while Nietzsche, a non-Christian views only their physical position which looks uncomfortable.