pot of urine over Candides head. Voltaire used these rather repulsive acts to show the hypocrisy found in many church affiliated men of his time. One minute the minister was talking to the townspeople of charity and brotherly love, while the next minute he rudely dismissed a man in need of that very Christian ideal. While I dont completely agree with Voltaire that the religious men of that time were so blatantly hypocritical, I do feel that they were a bit confused. They were so content on teaching others by words and not actions. In many situations, it is the actions that make the impactnot the words. Voltaire saw the ministers speak of brotherly with their mouths, but turn their back on those who needed the guidance and love of which they preached.Voltaire elaborated further on brotherly love by introducing the character of James, the Anabaptist. James is described as, A man who had never been christeneda creature without wings but with two legs and a soul. (27). This very man took Candide in with an offering of bread, drink, money, and the opportunity to learn a trade. James was the exact opposite of the minister in more ways than just his kind actions towards Candide. The description of James said that he was not an angel, but he did have a soul. By using this severe character contrast, Voltaire is saying that those who may not hold high positions of power in the Church, many times show more Christian love than those who do. I agree with Voltaire in that many times people look to those in authority to find guidance, when in reality, they can find true love and fellowship right in their midst. During the Enlightenment, officials in the Church were not the same people who truly touched the hearts and lives of the people around them. Beyond attacking men of faith, Voltaire depicts the Church as oppressive, corrupt, and he felt that it was of no need to the general public. In chapter six, Pangloss is hanged for...
