Often, authors use their characters to make a statement about their own beliefs. What do you think the author John Wyndham believes about religion?

The author sees the dangers of interpreting religion through a narrow lens. The basis of the conflict of the novel is Waknuk’s evangelical and puritanical position on the True Image of man, as defined by their religious text Nicholson’s Repentances. The entire Waknuk society originated and grew based on these beliefs, and their community is organized around these teachings. The schooling and the government are strongly influenced by the religion. Consequently most people are oppressed in some way, especially if they do not fit the narrow definition of a person.