Philosophy And Criticism Of Religion In Voltaire's Candide

Candide is a French satire novel written by Voltaire, who was a philosopher during the Age of Enlightenment. Candide criticizes religion, politics, and philosophy, with Voltaire combining his wittiness with a comedic and adventurous romance story. Candide has several main themes, one of the themes is how it is foolish to be optimistic, and the story of Candide repeatedly tells us this. Another theme is criticizing how Pangloss 's philosophical theology of things were meant to happen, is flawed and useless. Candide also strongly criticizes organized religion throughout the story, by showing the reader religious leaders who are corrupt and do not follow their doctrines. It is extremely foolish to be too optimistic, because you will become unable to view the world for how it is versus what your perception of it is. This is what I believe Voltaire is trying to convey to the reader and will be the first theme I will discuss. Candide had been taught by Pangloss in the safety of the castle he initially lived …show more content…
Throughout Candide 's journey he encounters religious leaders who are corrupt, and do not follow their own doctrines. Voltaire criticizes religious men in power and shows the reader that they do not practice what they preach. Most incidents of corruption were where the religious men of power were not sustaining abstinence from sex. An example is where Brother Giroflee had been paying Pacquette for her sexual services (Voltaire 115). Voltaire does not criticize the ordinary religious believer, and a strong point could be made that James the Anabaptist was the nicest character in the story. However, Voltaire wants the reader to realize religious men of power are not as noble as they appear, and the average religious believer can do good without directly being apart of a