Life Of Pi Religion Essay

Imagine a world where religion did not exist. The way people live their everyday lives would be very different, for example, what people eat and what they choose to wear. Religion plays a main role in not only how people are able to pull themselves out of the darkest places, but also in how people solve world issues. In the book, Life of Pi, the main character Pi faces an intense journey where the only thing he has to comfort him is his faith. In the end, the only thing keeping him alive is his religion and letting it dictate his survival. In the real world, similarly, people decide social and political issues be dictated by their faith and what they are supposed to do according to their religion. Religious beliefs affect the way people make

For example, in Life of Pi, religion plays a huge role in how Pi is able to survive on the boat. While stranded, Pi practices religious rituals in any way he could, even if he struggled. Pi quotes ¨They brought me comfort, that is certain. But it was hard, oh it was hard. Faith in God is an opening up, a letting go, a deep trust, a free act of love- but sometimes it was hard to love (Martel 262).¨ This shows that even though Pi struggled with keeping faith close in times of struggle, he kept practicing his religion no matter the circumstances. Another quote that shows how closely Pi kept his faith with him in a time of desperation is when Pi prays to his Gods for miracles every day; ¨Now I will turn miracle into routine. The amazing will be seen every day. I will put in all the hard work necessary. Yes, so long as God is with me, I will not die. Amen (Martel 186).¨ This shows that even though Pi is about to die, he uses Faith to pull himself out and keep fighting a tough battle. Religious beliefs also affect the way personal decisions are made in real life. Religion affects every decision one makes, down to what someone wears and eats. For example, in Muslim culture, which is one of the many religions Pi follows in the novel, one rule is that if you follow the religion, you cannot eat pork and must have your head covered in place of worship (Sicard). These simple rules show how individuals let what they believe in making their personal decisions. Another example of someone making personal decisions based on religion is how closely Christians follow The 10 Commandments. The 10 Commandments are laws that Christians closely follow that are said to be written by God himself. In one article titled ¨ Thy Will Be Done: The 10 Commandments And The Christian Life¨, the author quotes that ¨the purpose of the Ten