Religious Beliefs in "Doctor Faustus"

Paper Summary:

This paper examines the various religious undertones which reside within the play "Doctor Faustus" such as as morality, heaven and hell and forbidden knowledge. It discusses whether these religious undertones are important when trying to fully understand the context and meaning of the play.

From the Paper:

"During the 16th century everyone was thought to be born with original sin, this is the sin which you are born with because of the fall of Adam and Eve. Before the writing of 'Faustus' constant arguments raged about the destiny of the soul because of this sin. Catholicism and Calvinism were the two branches of religion which had conflicting views. Calvinists believed that there is no free will and that you could only be saved if you were one of the 'elect', whereas Catholics believed that you would be saved if your faith was whole and strong. It is unknown where Marlowe's sympathies lie, the mystery of Marlowe's life and the insecure nature of the two differing printed versions of the texts make it a very debatable subject. On the one hand Marlowe portrays hell as the academic, theological idea of permanent separation from God, a direct contrast to the fiery torment described in Catholic teachings. However many other traditionally Catholic views of the after life are portrayed throughout the play."

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