This paper is intended as a discussion on institutionalization of religion, with reference to the play Tiny Alice by the American playwright Edward Albee, and the novel Small Gods by the recently departed English author Sir Terence David John “Terry” Pratchett. The discussion revolves around the fact that religion in the contemporary era, has lost the connection with spirituality, which was once the basis for the foundation of religion as a socio-spiritual institution. Its role as an intermediary between the effigy – which is the object of devotion – and the abstract symbolism – which is its divine referent – has been abolished, to the effect that the institutionalized religion has become the referent, and the effigy, instead of serving as the focal point of spirituality, now serves merely as a validation as the institution’s authority. Whereas Edward Albee’s play presents this phenomenon to its audience, covered in layers of nuance and symbolism, Sir Terry Pratchett’s novel takes an actively critical role and dissects the religious institution and its overbearing pretensions.

Author Name: Tushnim Gangopadhyay

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Keywords: Validation, institution, authority, religion, phenomenon

ISSN: 2454-2296

EISSN: 2395-0897

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