religion and christmas

• The theme of religion in "A Christmas Carol" inspires debate, with interpretations ranging from anti-religious sentiment to support of religious ideas
• Dickens is seen as supporting religious values in isolation but criticising the way religion is practiced in society
• In Stave Three, the Ghost of Christmas Present challenges religious hypocrisy, highlighting actions done out of "passion, pride, ill-will, hatred, envy, bigotry and selfishness" in the name of religion
• This criticism extends to the practice of closing shops on Sundays (Sabbatarianism), which Dickens suggests prevents the lower class from enjoying their time off work
• The title 'A Christmas Carol' is central to the text, symbolizing the theme of Christmas and unity, often associated with traditional Christmas carols sung in church
• Interpretations of the title vary, with some suggesting Dickens critiques the church for failing to unite society, while others believe he aimed to guide readers on celebrating Christmas to unite society
• Scrooge's redemption in the novella is inherently religious, with elements of purgatory, judgement, and divine intervention adding a religious weight to his transformation
• Scrooge's discussion of Sabbatarianism with the Ghost of Christmas Present reveals his view of the Spirits as godlike figures, introducing the idea of divine intervention and inspiring positive change
• Scrooge's redemption is centered around religious ideals, with his transformation reflecting a change in attitude towards money and embodying charitable traits, suggesting a synonymous relationship between religion and virtue