The Role of Religion in Society

Wicked

Explores how religion functions in Oz, from unionism to the pleasure faith, and its impact on politics and individual lives.

increasing

Bearing strength in each event

decreasing

Unionism as the State Religion

Unionism as the State Religion The Unnamed God Unionism worships the Unnamed God. It is the dominant religion in Oz. Political Tool Both the Wizard and Nessarose use unionism to justify their rule. It becomes a tool of control. Elphaba's Rejection Elphaba rejects unionism. She sees it as a system of oppression.

The Pleasure Faith The Pleasure Faith from "Wicked". The Pleasure Faith Hedonism and Spectacle The pleasure faith offers entertainment and sensual gratification. It is popular among the masses.

The Pleasure Faith from "Wicked". The Pleasure Faith Hedonism and Spectacle The pleasure faith offers entertainment and sensual gratification. It is popular among the masses.

The Pleasure Faith Hedonism and Spectacle The pleasure faith offers entertainment and sensual gratification. It is popular among the masses. The Clock of the Time Dragon The Clock is a pleasure faith attraction that exposes secrets and incites violence. A Distraction The Wizard encourages the pleasure faith to distract citizens from his oppression. It is a form of social control.

Lurlinism and Paganism Lurlinism and Paganism from "Wicked". Lurlinism and Paganism The Fairy Queen Lurlinism worships the Fairy Queen Lurline. It is an older, pagan religion.

Lurlinism and Paganism from "Wicked". Lurlinism and Paganism The Fairy Queen Lurlinism worships the Fairy Queen Lurline. It is an older, pagan religion.

Lurlinism and Paganism The Fairy Queen Lurlinism worships the Fairy Queen Lurline. It is an older, pagan religion. Suppression Lurlinism is suppressed by the unionist establishment. It survives in folk traditions. Nanny's Beliefs Nanny is a Lurlinist. She represents the persistence of pagan beliefs.

Frex's Missionary Work Frex's Missionary Work from "Wicked". Frex's Missionary Work Converting the Quadlings Frex tries to convert Quadlings to unionism. He uses Elphaba as a tool to attract converts.

Frex's Missionary Work from "Wicked". Frex's Missionary Work Converting the Quadlings Frex tries to convert Quadlings to unionism. He uses Elphaba as a tool to attract converts.

Frex's Missionary Work Converting the Quadlings Frex tries to convert Quadlings to unionism. He uses Elphaba as a tool to attract converts. Failure His efforts are largely unsuccessful. The Quadlings are resistant to his message. Elphaba's Skepticism Elphaba witnesses the futility of missionary work. It reinforces her atheism.

The Question of Faith The Question of Faith from "Wicked". The Question of Faith Elphaba's Atheism Elphaba does not believe in any god. She sees religion as a human invention.

The Question of Faith from "Wicked". The Question of Faith Elphaba's Atheism Elphaba does not believe in any god. She sees religion as a human invention.

The Question of Faith Elphaba's Atheism Elphaba does not believe in any god. She sees religion as a human invention. Nessarose's Faith Nessarose's faith gives her strength but also leads her to tyranny. The Novel's Stance The novel does not endorse any religion. It presents faith as a double-edged sword.

throughout the story

during Elphaba's childhood

throughout the story