The idea of ​​religion is abstract and often encounters a variety of both positive and negative connotations. For some, a church can be a symbol of hope and a reflection of moral resilience, for others it can represent hypocrisy and moral betrayals. In Phillippe Diederich's novel Playing for the Devil's Fire, Diederich addresses this dichotomy and uses character development to explore the differences between a relationship with God and a relationship with the church. Diederich uses a specific plot, representative characterization, and poignant dialogue to demonstrate the complex motivations of the church and address the perplexing question of God. Religion plays an important role in society and generally proposes a moral standard or obligation that people can expect that their peers respect. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay In Immigrant America, Alejandro Portes and Ruben G. Rumbaut explain that “Sociologically, the meaning of religion…is to support moral cohesion and normative controls” (423). This definition of religion provides a basis for what society expects from religious constructs. It holds religion to a standard that provides protection and moral strength. In Diederich's novel, the narrative demonstrates what happens when religion fails to uphold the agreed upon standards, exposing corruption in the church. Diederich illustrates the inherent trust that individuals place on the morality of the church and then explores the sad repercussions when the institution of the church and its leaders prove undeserving of the trust of their congregation Playing for the Devil's Fire describes and advocates the harmful effects of corruption that not even a seemingly moral institution like the church is immune to the terminal disease that is corruption. At the beginning of the novel, Boli views the church in an optimistic light and even states that he "trusts [Father Gregorio] more than anyone else in the city" (65). Boli appreciates his relationship with the priest and considers him good and trustworthy. This notion reflects the definition given in Immigrant America and demonstrates Boli's vision of religion as a platform to “support moral cohesion” (423). Boli believes that Father Gregorio is sincerely concerned for him and the well-being of his family, but from the beginning of the story Diederich suggests that this trust may be misplaced. Towards the beginning of the novel, Boli is sitting in church and notices a large amount of new people in the mass of the city. Boli then states that "you could almost smell their money over the incense" (62). This image introduces the relationship between money and the church and begins the narrative of corruption displayed by the Catholic church in this Mexican village. During the same church service, Boli's grandmother looks at the crumbling ceiling of the church and observes that "This church...is falling apart" (64). This observation clearly takes on a literal meaning, but Abuela's comment is also symbolic of the beginning of the demise of the church's moral standards. This idea of ​​money influencing the church only grows as the novel continues. The priest whom Boli initially considered kind and trustworthy turns out to be deceitful and selfish. Father Gregorio filters out the false information and begins to give preferential treatment to the rich new city residence. This favoritism is confirmed one morning when Boli and his abuela attend a mass that is celebrated in Latin because the newcomers request it. After the service, Boli's grandmother remarks to the priest that "[he] seems pretty excited about the newspeople, perhaps their money is worth more than ours?" (124). This ongoing link between the Church and money portrays Diederich's theme that the Church is not impenetrable to the temptations of corruption. Diederich suggests that religious leaders can be influenced by money and otherthis institution that is supposed to act as a moral regulator can be convinced to look away from moral atrocities for the right price. Diederich counters this sad view of religion by separating the ideas of church and faith. The author's disparaging views on nature corruptible of the church do not directly relate to Diederich's views on God. Diederich constantly reminds his readers that an individual's relationship with the Church is not necessarily tied to one's relationship with God. Boli explains early in his story that “not I was the best Catholic, but I feared God” (61). This explanation portrays a difference in Boli's relationship with the church and his relationship with a deity. Despite Boli's slight disconnect with his religion, this does not directly affect his view of God. Boli struggles with God, but this altercation differs from his alienation from the church. After Boli's parents were missing for a significant period of time, Boli explains that “God was walking a fine line with me…. God had to show me that it still mattered” (122). This statement reflects Boli's frustration with God and represents man's common question about the goodness of God. Despite Boli's frustrations, he continues to pray throughout the story and finds hope in his friendship with Chicano the luchador. Diederich highlights his view of God and the Church as separate entities in a crucial conversation that takes place between Boli and Chicano. Father Gregorio refuses Boli's request to participate in the burial of Boli's dog. Boli leaves feeling rejected and hurt and stated that the priest's actions are "unjust." Chicano responds by saying, “This is why I don't go to church anymore.” Boli wonders if this is because he doesn't believe in God, but Chicano responds by saying, “Of course I do. But if God is good and powerful, He can see through all this shit.” Boli returns to the injustice of the situation and observes: “I can't believe it. I thought he was my friend,” and Chicano simply responds with, “Priests… They are vultures” (208). In this conversation God exists separately from the Church, and Diederich addresses the idea that the mistakes made by the priest are not necessarily reflected in the characteristics of God. This conversation also reaffirms Diederich's themes of corruption and suggests that priests can fall into patterns of betrayal and hypocrisy. Despite the endless stream of misfortunes, Boli consistently turns to prayer in difficult times parents, the loss of his grandmother, the death of his dog and other trials, Boli often asks God for help. It is not that Boli is not frustrated or disappointed, but he is able to maintain faith and hope despite his suffering. It is clear that Boli struggles with God and doesn't understand why he is bombarded with painful events. During his dog's funeral, Boli emotionally cries out in prayer: “Please do something for our little town because we are all sad and scared. Can't you see us crying?" (210). This emotional quote shows a moment of desperation and asks the common question that asks, "if God is good, why does he let terrible things happen?" Boli must wrestle with this question, but instead of allowing himself to be overwhelmed by the loss, Boli maintains hope and faith even after losing everything. The pain and loss in Boli's life only consumes the lives of his closest friends Mosco and Chicano. Even in the face of insurmountable pain , Boli doesn't leave., 1990.