Literature

    Religion plays an important role in the lives of human beings. Since ancient times religion has defined the values and ethics of different human societies. Religion has been depicted in the numerous works of fiction since ages. Different writers provide different perspectives about religion in their works. One such ancient work which deals with religion is The Canterbury Tales by Geoffrey Chaucer. The Canterbury Tales consists of a compilation of short stories. These stories are told by pilgrims who are on their way to the shrine of Saint Thomas Becket. Each pilgrim tells a story and this story reflects the thinking and religious beliefs of the storyteller. Through his tales in his work, Chaucer has provided different perspectives about religion and depicted the theme that an individual harbors thoughts about sins and virtues according to the teachings of his religion.

Religion
    The short stories in The Canterbury Tales by Chaucer depict a variety of themes, as pilgrims narrate tales according to their likings. But religion was a major theme whose influence was visible in the stories. As the pilgrims followed different religions, their stories reflected their religious beliefs. The tale narrated by Miller, one of the pilgrims, brings forth his Christian beliefs. The setting in the tale was associated with Christian teachings. The tale focused on the evocation of Noahs Ark. The tales centered on the aims of the pilgrims. They wished to seek salvation through their religious practices. Each pilgrim had his own set of thinking about sin and virtue. The tales were an important source through which the pilgrims conveyed their social positions and their thoughts about religion. 
    The pilgrimage itself was a journey which aimed at achieving spirituality and salvation.  All the pilgrims led their lives fearing God but each interpreted the teachings of his religion in
different way. The tales seem like a religious discourse, through which the pilgrims are presenting different perspectives about religious beliefs. Many religions were still evolving at the time when Chaucer wrote these tales. So the pilgrims represent different religious sects and present the beliefs taught by their sect.
    The tales reveal pilgrims thinking about what behavior is considered as sinful and what actions are regarded as virtuous. Chaucer  (1855) writes A good man ther was of religioun That was poure persone of a town, But riche he was of holy thoughts and work. (pg.17). The teachings of the Church are also presented in the tales. The pilgrim depicts these teachings in accordance to his own thoughts and beliefs.  Even the notion of salvation is understood differently by each pilgrim. Even Chaucer himself, presents his religious thoughts through the tales of the pilgrims. He considers the teachings in the Bible as the ultimate truth. When he is referring to the Bible, he takes utmost care to ensure that he copies the teachings depicted in the Bible accurately.

Conclusion
Religion is a dominant theme in The Canterbury Tales, as the pilgrims are representing different views about religion, sin, virtue and salvation. The role of religion in the human society and the significance attached to the religious beliefs are emphasized in the tales. All the pilgrims have their own views about sin, virtue and salvation. Each pilgrim seeks to achieve salvation but the way adopted by him is different. The teachings of the Church are depicted in the tales by the pilgrims. The thoughts of human beings regarding sin and virtue are influenced by his religious teaching, and the tales of the pilgrims reinforce this notion.