The last two novels that we covering class were Handmaids Tale by Margaret Atwood and Children of Men by P.D. James. Both feature worlds where infertility as arisen in the human population, and with science totally baffled by this development, governments have risen to power in response. Similarities include oppressive actions taken against the people in the form of labor camps used for undesirables, class systems, and both governments employ a secret police to deal with dissension. However, I believe that religion is one of the critical points where the two novels have opposing messages on.

This sharp contrast begins at the opening of both books where religions place in society is determined. Initially we see that Gilead the society in Handmaids tale has been entirely developed around a hyper traditional religion that has formed in the wake of this problems. The Britain presented by the Children of Men on the other hand as seen a drastic decrease in church goers as well as a general loss of faith and hope among the community. Over the course of each book the theme of religion in these two communities is flipped. In Gilead we slowly learn through the experiences of Offred that the men at the top of this government do not hold themselves to the standards they enforce through their religion. This can be seen clearing in the existence of Jezebels a secret whore house frequented by important male officials, and in much of the Commanders actions. Later in the historical notes we see that much of the religious propaganda and doctrine was designed purely to subjugate the women in society and create a hold over the people.

Children of Men while initially pointing to a general apathy when it came to religion, is loaded with symbolism of biblical figures as well as a parallel to the second coming in the form of Julian’s son. Throughout the story we see a revitalization of faith especially in Theo as he grows to care for Julian and come to terms with her fervent belief. In the end we are presented with hope for a future of man and in ways we see the people’s faith restored as the leaders of the government come to see the new baby at the manger.

The messages of these two books move in nearly opposite trajectories on this matter. Atwood using this speculative world to warn us of the dangers of religious belief and its ability to repress and control if allowed to run rampant. While Children of Men shows us a society that has lost all faith and hope, and takes us on a journey of regaining these virtues for the better. Hopefully there is a sweet spot between a world devoid of faith, and another radicalized one. Where we won’t encounter any such oppressive governments.