Religion in The Grapes of WrathIn The Grapes of Wrath, author John Steinbeck presents religion in several ways , including the fanaticism of Jim Casy's Sin Watchers. parallel character to Jesus Christ, and through the use of symbolism throughout the novel. Through these methods, Steinbeck weaves a web in which religion is presented as a double-edged sword; one can take the path of a truly pious and kind person, or one can choose the path of zeal, condemning all those who would oppose or go against their views. The Sin Watchers represent the embodiment of religious zeal. They impose their ideals on others and highlight the sinful behaviors of their campmates. Steinbeck presents these people as evil aberrations who disrupt the otherwise peaceful life in the government camp. The most viewed Sin Watcher was the woman who chastised Rose Of Sharon for her "sinful" ways. This horrible woman told Rose Of Sharon that because of the hug dance and other fun activities, the baby would be stillborn. Unfortunately, the baby was stillborn, but not necessarily because of Rose Of Sharon's activities. This woman instilled in Rose Of Sharon the idea that it was her fault the baby didn't survive. Jim Casy's actions were very similar to those of Jesus Christ. At the time of the book's publication, this was considered an act of blasphemy. As discussed in class, many of Jim Casy's deeds, trials, and tribulations (as well as the sinister initials JC) parallel those of Jesus. Jim Casy represents the epitome of personal respect, despite his renunciation of preaching. Throughout The Grapes of Wrath, religious symbols arise, further explaining the significance of the section. One use of symbolism is that, on the road to California, Tom encounters a snake. The fact is already established in the novel that for the Goads, California represents a place of great wealth, freedom and prosperity. It’s a Garden of Eden, so to speak. The Garden of Eden had a serpent that brought God's wrath on Adam and Eve. The serpent provided them with the forbidden fruit. California is closed to foreigners and migrants.