Religion In 'A Very Old Man With Enormous Wings'

religion puts God and his angels above the people, but Father Gonzaga uses a malpracticed form of religion to put himself above his fellow people and on a level with God. One of the final ways this is shown is by the line of leadership that is mentioned. Father Gonzaga promises to, "write a letter to his bishop so that the latter would write his primate so that the latter would write to the supreme Pontiff in order to get the final verdict from the highest courts" (2). The religious leaders have set up their own court system as a way to rule over the people. The main point of religion is helping others and attempting to live a life without sin. It is strictly stated in the Bible, “Judge not, that you be not judged. For with the judgment

This example is shown through the actions of Pelayo’s wife, Elisenda. The story says that, “Elisenda, her spine all twisted up from sweeping up so much marketplace trash, then got the idea of fencing in the yard and charging five cents admission to see the angel” (2). The angel is a symbol for religion, so this shows how some people will pray on followers of a religion as a way of gaining wealth. There have been many cases where church leaders have convinced the congregation to give money to the leadership by citing their spiritual duties. The leaders know that by telling believers they have a duty to give money to support their mission, the people will pay. Elisenda knows that people would pay to see the angel, so she fences it in her yard and charges the people admission. The angel does not belong to her, just like religion does not belong to church leaders, but both use religion as a way of making money off of the people’s desire to see a spiritual being. Elisenda becomes wealthy by scheming against the people’s spiritual desires. Once again, this is the misuse of religion for one’s personal

Religion is not supposed to be like a vending machine where you go, put in your request, and get something in return, but that is how these characters and many real people treat it. This shows another misuse of religion by showing a one-sided relationship where only the people get their desires. After arriving to see the angel, many were disappointed because the "consolation miracles, which were more like mocking fun, had already ruined the angel 's reputation" (3). Instead of being amazed the miracles were taking place, the people are disappointed that their desires are not being granted. These people do not come for religious purposes, they come to have their personal desires granted. Religious texts never claim that following their principles will bring a peaceful life in which you get everything that your heart desires. It also does not promise the safety or health of the follower; in fact, the Bible states, "I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will