# Religion and Blasphemy in Là-Bas

> Theme guide for Là-Bas by J.-K. Huysmans.

Themes of faith, sacrilege, and the corruption of religious institutions are central, contrasting the simple piety of characters like Carhaix with the perverted rituals of Satanist priests and the hypocrisy of the clerical world.

## Where it surfaces

- [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/l_bas_se/chapters/i): Durtal's attraction to Catholicism is tempered by his lack of faith, and he views religion as both a refuge and a demand for irrational surrender, while Grünewald's Christ embodies a raw, almost blasphemous physicality.
- [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/l_bas_se/chapters/iii): The discussion of bells as sacred music and the contrast with profane church concerts highlights the tension between religious tradition and modern irreverence.
- [Chapter IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/l_bas_se/chapters/iv): The chapter links Satanism to sacrilegious priests and the corruption of the clergy, framing blasphemy as a mature form of evil.
- [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/l_bas_se/chapters/v): Focus on the perversion of Catholic rituals, such as consecrating hosts for infamous acts and the hypocrisy of clergy who practice Satanism.
- [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/l_bas_se/chapters/vi): Gilles de Rais's alchemical pursuits are tied to demonic pacts and the reality of the Devil, touching on blasphemous themes.
- [Chapter IX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/l_bas_se/chapters/ix): Canon Docre's desecration of the Eucharist and tattooing of Christ on his heels exemplify extreme blasphemy, while Carhaix defends the Church's traditional teachings on demonic spirits.
- [The Visit](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/l_bas_se/chapters/x): Madame Chantelouve's mention of her confessor and Durtal's suspicion of Satanic influence (Canon Docre) intertwine religious and transgressive elements.
- [Chapter XI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/l_bas_se/chapters/xi): Gilles de Rais's use of consecrated ground for burial, his oaths on the Testament, and his fear of Christ contrast with his blasphemous acts, highlighting the tension between faith and sacrilege.
- [Chapter XII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/l_bas_se/chapters/xii): The conversation about saints' lives and the discussion of sacrilege in Pygmalionism highlight tensions between piety and transgression.
- [XV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/l_bas_se/chapters/xv): The chapter contrasts Christian symbolism (the fish as Christ) with sacrilegious acts like feeding hosts to fish, and explores the blasphemy of a priest celebrating the black mass.
- [XVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/l_bas_se/chapters/xvii): The discussion of the Black Mass, contaminated Eucharists, and the profanation of sacred objects highlights the theme of blasphemy.
- [XVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/l_bas_se/chapters/xviii): The Black Mass parodies Catholic liturgy, and Gilles's confession and repentance highlight the tension between sin and divine mercy.
- [XIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/l_bas_se/chapters/xix): The ceremony inverts Catholic liturgy, using sacred elements to mock and defy Christian beliefs, highlighting Durtal's horror at the sacrilege.
- [XX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/l_bas_se/chapters/xx): Discussion of Black Mass, satanic rituals, and heretical doctrines.
- [XXI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/l_bas_se/chapters/xxi): The conversation touches on the Church's condemnation of both black and white magic, and the tension between belief in the supernatural and the rejection of materialist freethinking.
- [XXII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/l_bas_se/chapters/xxii): The characters contrast medieval faith with modern impiety, discuss Satanism's persistence, and lament the corruption of spiritual leaders.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/l_bas_se/themes/religion_and_blasphemy
- Themes index: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/l_bas_se/themes