THEME AND SYMBOLISM THESAURUS

RELIGION



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HELPFUL TIP:

Your story's theme is its central message to readers and can be reinforced with specific symbols and motifs pulled right from the setting. Additionally, symbols woven into a scene can underscore your character's emotions, establish mood, and even generate conflict. Explore your story theme thoughtfully and use associated symbols to do more with less.
THEMATIC STATEMENTS THAT MAY APPLY TO YOUR STORY:
Religion is a crutch.
Religion is a tool used to keep people in line.
The sins of religion (wars, abuse, etc.) outweigh the benefits.
Religion turns people into hypocrites.
Extreme beliefs lead to extreme behavior.
Prayer is just wishful thinking.
You get what you believe.
Religion and faith are for the weak-minded.
All religions are fundamentally the same.
If you think you have all the answers, you're wrong.
The only way to true rebirth is through religion.
There are no atheists in foxholes.
Connecting with the divine makes us whole.
Religion is a form of refuge.
Faith means being okay with not having all the answers.

LIES (ANTI-THEMATIC STATEMENTS) YOUR CHARACTER MIGHT BELIEVE:
Religion is my duty.
All religious organizations are corrupt.
Religion is about ticking boxes and keeping up appearances.
No one else is struggling like I am.
Religion is a waste of time.
Religion and faith are a sham (because my prayer wasn't answered).
Other religions are inferior to mine.
Religious leaders can be trusted implicitly and shouldn't be questioned.
I don't deserve to be loved by God.
I can only believe in what can be proved.

CHARACTER TRAITS TO SUPPORT OR CHALLENGE THE THEME:
ANTISOCIAL, CONTROLLING, CYNICAL, EVIL, FANATICAL, GULLIBLE, HYPOCRITICAL, IGNORANT, JUDGMENTAL, REBELLIOUS, STUBBORN, SUPERSTITIOUS, WEAK-WILLED, ANALYTICAL, CENTERED, IDEALISTIC, INNOCENT, JUST, OBEDIENT, OBJECTIVE, PHILOSOPHICAL, SPIRITUAL, TRADITIONAL

WOUNDS THAT MAY SHAPE A CHARACTER'S PERSPECTIVE:
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CREATIVE WORKS THAT EXPLORE THIS THEME:
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NATURAL SYMBOLS FOR THIS THEME:
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HUMAN & SOCIETAL SYMBOLS FOR THIS THEME:
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SYMBOLISM EXAMPLES IN STORIES:
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