Life Of Pi Religion Analysis

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Faith can be illustrated through a multitude of perspectives, each one helping humanity to more thoroughly and fully grasp the essence of spirituality and rationality. Religion similarly, however non material, is pliable and open to a myriad of interpretations. In the novel Life of Pi, Yann Martel demonstrates the importance of faith and religion, and that one must be open to give the “better story” a chance through Pi’s allusion to the capital “S” in the story of Christ, as well as his animal story in comparison to the more pragmatic human version.
Pi’s faith journey is one weighed heavily with value and significance, just as religious text and parables hold much power and meaning. The “S”tory of Christ is largely respected and followed by those who are faithful, just as those who are receptive and open to ideas will believe in Pi’s story. Everyone has stories that help them persevere through life, and when faced with anguish and affliction, people turn to these stories and beliefs to help them cope with their situation. For Pi, his faith is his cornerstone throughout his suffering. He says “so long as God is with me, I will not die” (Martel, 148). His faith in God allows him to continue on his journey and to
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I’m amazed” (292). The disintegration of the cookies is symbolic of the way in which Pi’s “better story” falls apart in the eyes of the officials, and even further, suggests that society without faith will ultimately perish. In addition, Pi considers the ability to believe in something to be greater than faith itself. He says, “To choose doubt as a philosophy of life is akin to choosing immobility as a means of transportation” (28). Pi explains that atheists speak words of faith where as agnostics choose doubt. He believes remaining static and inconclusive in one’s decision about faith and spirituality stifles the ability to live an abundant