In Silence, we see a sharp distinction between religion and spirituality. On the one hand, we've got religion: a man-made system meant to help us get in touch with a higher power. On the other, we've got spirituality, which is the actual relationship between us and the God/gods/spirits/alien overlords we place our faith into. Just ask Father Sebastien Rodrigues—his relationship with God is more dramatic than the season finale of The Bachelor. As we watch this young priest struggle to keep the faith in the face of unthinkable hardships, we're presented with an idea of spirituality that's way more complicated than anything we've read in Sunday school.
Questions About Spirituality
- What is the difference between religion and spirituality?
- Why is Rodrigues so obsessed with Jesus's face?
- How is Rodrigues's spirituality affected after he renounces Christianity?
- What is the meaning of "God's silence"?