The idea of ​​religion is abstract and often encounters a variety of connotations both positive and negative. For some, a church can be a symbol of hope and a reflection of moral resilience, for others, the church can symbolize hypocrisy and moral betrayal. In the novel Playing for the Devil's Fire by Phillippe Diederich, Diederich addresses this dichotomy and uses character development to explore the differences between a relationship with God and a relationship with the Church. Diederich uses a specific plot, representative characterization, and poignant dialogue to demonstrate the complex motivations of the Church and address the perplexing question of God. Religion plays an important role in society and generally provides a moral standard or obligation that people can expect their peers to follow. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essay In Immigrant America, Alejandro Portes and Ruben G. Rumbaut explain that "sociologically, the importance of religion...is to maintain moral cohesion and normative controls" (423). This definition of religion provides a basis for what society expects from religious constructs. It imposes norms on religion that guarantee protection and moral force. In Diederich's novel, the narrative demonstrates what happens when religion fails to live up to these agreed upon standards, thereby revealing corruption within the Church. Diederich illustrates the inherent trust that individuals place in the morality of the Church, then explores the disastrous repercussions when the institution of the Church and its leaders prove undeserving of the trust of their congregation. Playing for the Devil's Fire depicts the malevolent effects of corruption and argues that even a seemingly moral institution like the Church is not immune to the deadly disease that is corruption. At the beginning of the novel, Boli views the Church in an optimistic light and even states that he “did [Father Gregorio] more than anyone else in the city” (65). Boli values ​​his relationship with the priest and believes him to be good and trustworthy. This notion reflects the definition given in Immigrant America and demonstrates Boli's view of religion as a platform for "maintaining moral cohesion" (423). Boli believes that Father Gregorio genuinely cares about him and the well-being of his family, but from the beginning of the tale, Diederich suggests that this trust may be misplaced. At the beginning of the novel, Boli is sitting in the church and notices a large number of new people in the city's mass. Boli then states: “You could almost smell their money through the incense” (62). This imagery introduces the relationship between money and the Church and begins the narrative of the corruption displayed by the Catholic Church in this Mexican village. During this same church service, Boli's grandmother looks at the church's ruined ceiling and notices that "this church...is falling apart" (64). This remark clearly takes a literal meaning, but the Abuela's comment also symbolizes the beginning of the disappearance of the moral standards of the Church. This idea that money influences the Church only grows as the novel continues. The priest that Boli originally sees as kind and trustworthy turns out to be deceitful and selfish. Father Gregorio filters out false information and begins giving preferential treatment to the newly wealthy Villages residence. This favoritism is confirmed one morning when Boli and his abuela attend a mass celebrated in Latin at the request of the new arrivals. After the service, Boli's grandmother points out to the priest: “[he] seems very enthusiastic with new people, maybe their money is worth more than ours? (124). This continued connection between the Church and money reflects Diederich's theme that the Church is not impenetrable to the temptations of corruption. Diederich suggests that religious leaders can be influenced by money and that this institution meant to serve as a moral regulator can be convinced to look away from moral atrocities for the right price. Diederich opposes this lamentable view of religion by separating the ideas of Church and faith. The author's disparaging views on the corruptible nature of the Church are not directly related to Diederich's views on God. Diederich constantly reminds his readers that an individual's relationship with the Church is not necessarily linked to his or her relationship with God. Boli explains at the beginning of his story that “I was not the best Catholic, but I feared God” (61). This explanation describes a difference in Boli's relationship with the church and in his relationship with a deity. Despite Boli's slight disconnect with his religion, it does not directly affect his view of God. Boli struggles with God but this altercation differs from his alienation with the Church. After Boli's parents go missing for a while, Boli explains that "God walked a thin line with me…. God had to prove to me that he still mattered” (122). This statement reflects Boli's frustration with God and represents man's common questioning of God's goodness. Despite Boli's frustrations, he continues to pray throughout the story and finds hope in his friendship with Chicano the luchador. Diederich emphasizes his view of God and the Church as separate entities in a crucial conversation that takes place between Boli and Chicano. Father Gregorio rejects Boli's request to participate in the burial of Boli's dog. Boli feels rejected and hurt and expresses that the priest's actions are "unjust." Chicano responds by saying, “That’s why I don’t go to church anymore.” Boli wonders if it's because he doesn't believe in God, but Chicano responds by saying, "Of course it is." But if God is good and powerful, he can see through all this shit. Boli reflects on the injustice of the situation and remarks: “I can't believe it. I thought he was my friend,” and Chicano simply responds, “Priests...They’re vultures” (208). In this conversation, God exists separately from the Church and Diederich addresses the idea that mistakes made by the priest are not necessarily reflected in the traits of God. This conversation further reaffirms Diederich's themes of corruption and suggests that priests can fall into patterns of betrayal and hypocrisy. Despite the constant stream of misfortunes, Boli constantly turns to prayer in difficult times. Faced with the disappearance of his parents, his grandmother's wandering, the death of his dog, and other trials, Boli frequently begs God for help. It's not that Boli isn't frustrated or disappointed, but he is able to maintain faith and hope throughout his suffering. It is clear that Boli struggles with God and does not understand why he is faced with painful events. At his dog's funeral, Boli emotionally cries out in prayer, "Please do something for our little town because we are all sad and scared." Can't you see us crying? (210). This moving quote reflects a moment of despair and asks the common question that asks, "If God is good, why does he let terrible things happen?" » Boli must struggle with this question, but instead of letting his loss overwhelm him, Boli maintains hope and faith even afterward.., 1990.