By definition, religion is the belief in and worship of a superhuman controlling power. Oftentimes, religious beliefs are inherited or developed later in life. These beliefs can also be derived from experiencing or being exposed to suffering. Human suffering, without a doubt, summons to contest different religious beliefs of each individual. In The Plague, Albert Camus draws attention to the absurdity of religion through the beliefs of Father Paneloux, Dr. Rieux, and Tarrou. Camus initially draws attention to the absurdity of religion through the character of Father Paneloux. Father Paneloux, as a preacher, manifest an abundance of faith. However, the authenticity of his beliefs later becomes uncertain just as he exposes himself to the creeping
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He is, therefore, revealing that God is the only way out of the plague once it is ‘appointed’ to them. Camus draws attentions to the absurdity of religion by displaying the lack of a realistic sense of Father Paneloux’ revelations. Furthermore, his convictions weaken as he witnesses the unjustful suffering of an innocent child. Father Paneloux exclaimed ‘in a voice hoarse, but clearly audible across that nameless, neverending wail: “My God, spare this child”’ (217). The suffering of an innocent child awakens and evokes the beliefs of Father Paneloux. Through his sincere grieving, it can be concluded that he personally believes that an innocent child does not, in fact, deserve such suffering. The tone of his voice, as indicated through his interjection: “My God, spare this child!”, indirectly questions God’s reasoning behind innocent suffering. Therefore, Camus reiterates the absurdity of religion by passively exhibiting the irrationality of tribulation. However, despite the drastic self-revelation regarding his beliefs, he continues to justify his religious practices. Father Paneloux admits that the “agony of a child [is] humiliating to the heart and to the mind”, but “since it was God’s will, [they], too should will it” (255). Although his core
He is, therefore, revealing that God is the only way out of the plague once it is ‘appointed’ to them. Camus draws attentions to the absurdity of religion by displaying the lack of a realistic sense of Father Paneloux’ revelations. Furthermore, his convictions weaken as he witnesses the unjustful suffering of an innocent child. Father Paneloux exclaimed ‘in a voice hoarse, but clearly audible across that nameless, neverending wail: “My God, spare this child”’ (217). The suffering of an innocent child awakens and evokes the beliefs of Father Paneloux. Through his sincere grieving, it can be concluded that he personally believes that an innocent child does not, in fact, deserve such suffering. The tone of his voice, as indicated through his interjection: “My God, spare this child!”, indirectly questions God’s reasoning behind innocent suffering. Therefore, Camus reiterates the absurdity of religion by passively exhibiting the irrationality of tribulation. However, despite the drastic self-revelation regarding his beliefs, he continues to justify his religious practices. Father Paneloux admits that the “agony of a child [is] humiliating to the heart and to the mind”, but “since it was God’s will, [they], too should will it” (255). Although his core