Finally! A piece of literature that directly addresses this controversial concept of opinionated superiority between faith and reason, and whether the two may coexist.

Throughout Crime and Punishment, both reason and faith are addressed prominently, and the events that take place around a character's (I will focus on Rodia) actions help to highlight what Dostoyesvsky offers in addressing this debate. At the beginning of the novel, Rodia finds himself in the midst of a secular hell hole. St. Petersburg is not entirely encompassed by this sinful exposure, but the market where Rodia primarily resides is not the privileged suburb we are so ungratefully accustomed to here in America. Initially, a secular world represents reason throughout Rodia's journey. Rodia's thoughts are his own, and his own motives (questionably insane) lead him to sinful acts. As the time of the murder closes, no sense of religious faith justifies his action, only what makes sense to him. A very arguable theory presented throughout the book is the idea of Rodia being a so called "Superman", which constitutes action based on no one but your own personal opinion, whether it be socially correct or not is beside the point. Rodia seems to think this way about himself, and believes everything he does is correct, even the murder of Aloyna and Lizaveta is dubbed a service to society in his eyes.

Here is where I take a break from the piece of literature, and begin the background of Dostoyevsky himself. I know, from his past, that he was a very reasonable and secular man, but while he was writing this book he was evidently influenced by the Christian religion. From personal experience, in a time of drastic change such as this, the passion that he feels internally for his newfound faith overflows into his literature.

In this light of reason contradicting faith, Dostoyevsky uses the journey of Rodia to prove that reason can only get you so far in life, and through Rodia's physical and emotional struggle, he eluminates the idea of the feebleness of reasoning. He never once makes decisions or places faith in someone else, he only goes off of what he believes is correct. This shows the naiivity of the absense of faith in life, whether that be through relationships or religion. His isolated nature hints at the idea that he believes in the irrelevancy of connection and support of others.

Towards the latter part of the story, however, Dostoyevsky begins to introduce biblical allusions such as the story of Judas scene. This ushers in the idea of faith into Rodia's life, and though reluctant to cling to such an intangible concept initially, he comes to realize that through faith the road to redemption can begin.

I think its important at the very end that Rodia reads the bible before he turns himself in to the police to show his shift of allegiance from self sufficiency to the benefits of self dependance, because no one can do it all in life, we all need somebody (or in the argument of faith, something) to lean on. Dostoyevsky leaves the reader with the symbolism of the bible Rodia possesses, representing a path to rebirth and reconciliation for what he has previously done. It is evident that Rodia struggles with this shift as even at the final part, he questions what he's doing and needs the help of Sonia to finally turn himself in, and begin the road to forgiveness internally.

Overall, Dostoyevsky addresses his theme that both faith and reason may coexist, but to merely cling to one in neglect of the other only leads to destruction. Towards the end, the final concept of rebirth helps show that he believes both are necessary to effectively survive, but faith reigns supreme over reason. Reason can lead you astray because the human mind is sinful in nature, but having faith to cling to in times of trouble, as well as times of prospering, is the only chance we have of living a righteous and respectable life.