One of the themes expressed in Candide is that religion can sometimes be a force for good but is sometimes a force for evil. This point of view can be proven by discussing plot, characterization and symbolism. Voltaire seems to suggest that any institution --religious, political, even social -- can become evil if it believes that God speaks the truth to it and no other group.
             Voltaire's Candide is one big satire on religion. The hypocrisies of various religious leaders and institutions are exposed. Many people including Candide and Pangloss are persecuted for their beliefs. Pangloss for expressing his ideas, and Candide for merely "listening with the air of approval" (p 529). A man was convicted for marring woman who was a godmother to his child and another two were prosecuted for not eating pork. The Grand Inquisitor was a holy man and used his power to get Cunegonde to be his mistress by threatening Don Issachar with an auto-da-fe. When the Grand Inquisitor and Don Issachar were killed, the Holy Brotherhood "buried the inquisitor in a fine church, and threw Issachar on the dunghill." (p. 533) This was done because Issachar was a Jew and Jews were not well liked during that time. Boys are castrated by the church, in order for them to become better singers. A Franciscan friar stole Candide's jewels. That is extra hypocritical because the Franciscans have taken wow of poverty. One of Paquete's customers is a monk, Brother Giroflee, whose religious beliefs should prohibit him from relations with a woman, especially a prostitute.
             Several characters emphasize the positives and negatives of religion. By way of fate, Cunegonde's brother became a Jesuit priest in South America. It is implied that he was a homosexual, a practice that is strongly opposed by the Jesuits, as well as all Christians. It was suggested that another priest molested him. "...I was a very pr...