What commentary does Heller make about religion through the
chaplain's character in Catch-22?
In Joseph Heller's Catch-22, the character of the chaplain serves as a
commentary on religion. The chaplain is portrayed as a devout and wellintentioned man who struggles to reconcile his faith with the chaos and
absurdity of war. He attempts to provide comfort and support to the airmen,
but is often thwarted by the system and bureaucracy of the military. He also
faces discrimination and suspicion as a minority religion in the predominantly
Protestant military.
Through the chaplain's character, Heller critiques the misuse of religion for
political and personal gain. Colonel Cathcart manipulates the chaplain and
uses him to boost his own reputation and advance his career. The chaplain is
also pressured to conform to the military's expectations and compromise his
beliefs in order to fit in.
Furthermore, Heller questions the effectiveness of religion in providing comfort
and meaning in times of crisis. The chaplain grapples with doubts and
struggles to find solace and guidance in his faith. His experiences suggest that
religion may not be able to provide easy answers or solutions to complex
problems.
Overall, Heller's portrayal of the chaplain highlights the tensions between faith
and institutional structures, and expresses skepticism about the role of religion
in the face of human suffering and injustice.
References:
Heller, J. (1961). Catch-22. Simon & Schuster.
Rovit, E. (2003). Critical essays on Catch-22. Twayne Publishers.