Essay about Criticism of Religion in Voltaire’s Candide

Criticism of Religion in Voltaire’s Candide In his novel Candide, Voltaire often criticized religious beliefs of the times. His criticism of religion surfaces throughout the entire story. The kindness of the Anabaptist that Candide met showed the silliness of religious prejudices. The old womans story of her father, Pope Urban X, and the life of wealth she lived as a child shows the corruption of the Catholic clergy. Finally, the conversation Candide and Cacambo had with the old man in Eldorado shows the benefits of a simple religion, a contrast of the European religions of the time. During the eighteenth century, the Anabaptists were often persecuted and hated because of their radical religious beliefs. Voltaire attacked this†¦show more content†¦James, the Anabaptist, witnessed this horrible action towards Candide and invited him into his own home, served him bread and beer and gave him two florins. Later on, in a journey to Lisbon, a sailor fell into the ocean, and so James quickly helped him back onto the ship, but, in the course of his efforts, he was thrown into the sea in full view of the sailor, who let him perish without deigning even to look at him (28). James kindness resulted in his death. Voltaire included this Anabaptist in his story to display the silliness of religious prejudices. This man was hated by society because of his religious views, but he was kind to others, unlike the Protestants and the sailor that Candide encountered. Voltaire also criticized the corruption found in the clergy of the Catholic Church. An old woman took care of Candide after his flogging in Lisbon and reunited him with his long lost love, Cunegonde. While on a ship, the three exchanged stories of their adventures and the troubles that they had faced. In the beginning of the old womans story she said, I am the daughter of Pope Urban X and the Princess of Palestrina (42). She then talked about the magnificent palace that she grew up in and the riches that she enjoyed and how she was betrothed to a prince of Massa-Carrara. This story was mentioned in Candide because it showed the corruption of the Catholic clergy. The pope, a man who was supposed to be celibate and follow the example of Christ, insteadShow MoreRelated Candide by Voltaire Essay example1218 Words   |  5 Pagesthe author of the novella Candide, also known as Optimism. The the novella, Voltaire portrays the idea of Optimism as being illogical and absurd. In Candide, Vol taire satirizes the doctrine of Optimism, an idea that was greatly used during the Enlightenment time period by philosophers. In this narrative, Candide is a young man who goes through a series of undertakings and ventures around the the globe where he experiences evil and adversity. 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