# Religion and Doubt in Of Human Bondage

> Theme guide for Of Human Bondage by W. Somerset Maugham.

Philip's journey from devout childhood faith to atheism and moral relativism mirrors the broader Victorian crisis of faith, as he rejects religious dogma in favor of a more personal, skeptical worldview.

## Where it surfaces

- [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/of_human_bondage_se/chapters/vi): The chapter emphasizes the pervasive influence of religion on daily life, from the Vicar's authority to the social ostracism of dissenters.
- [VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/of_human_bondage_se/chapters/vii): The chapter details the elaborate, ritualistic Sunday routine of a clergyman, highlighting the intersection of faith, duty, and mundane concerns.
- [VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/of_human_bondage_se/chapters/viii): The Sunday play incident and Mr. Carey's rigid piety illustrate the oppressive religious atmosphere Philip endures.
- [Chapter XIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/of_human_bondage_se/chapters/xiv): Philip's fervent prayer for a miracle and subsequent disillusionment highlight the tension between religious faith and personal doubt.
- [XVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/of_human_bondage_se/chapters/xvii): Philip experiences a profound religious revival under Mr. Perkins' influence, deciding to be ordained and offering his clubfoot as a sacrifice. However, his piety had not stood the test of time, hinting at future doubt.
- [XX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/of_human_bondage_se/chapters/xx): Philip rejects the clergy, disillusioned by the hypocrisy and dreariness of religious life he has observed.
- [XXI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/of_human_bondage_se/chapters/xxi): Philip abandons the idea of ordination, causing his aunt's grief and highlighting his loss of religious vocation.
- [XXVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/of_human_bondage_se/chapters/xxvii): The central topic of conversation: Hayward's aesthetic faith, Weeks' Unitarian skepticism, and Philip's conventional Anglican views are contrasted.
- [XXVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/of_human_bondage_se/chapters/xxviii): Philip's loss of faith is central to the chapter, as he questions the truth of Christianity and confronts the possibility of a world without God.
- [Chapter CX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/of_human_bondage_se/chapters/cx): Philip questions whether his uncle, a clergyman, truly believes in immortality or secretly fears there is no God, highlighting the gap between preached faith and lived experience.
- [CXI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/of_human_bondage_se/chapters/cxi): Philip reflects on the cruelty of a God who allows such suffering; his uncle finds peace through communion, but Philip remains skeptical.
- [CXII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/of_human_bondage_se/chapters/cxii): The discovery of his mother's pious letter contrasts with Philip's own lack of faith, and he reflects on the religious expectations she had for him.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/of_human_bondage_se/themes/religion_and_doubt
- Themes index: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/of_human_bondage_se/themes