Reactions to Portrait of the Artist and The Farther Shore

Sorry for the late post, my internet was out for most of the weekend

Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man was a fascinating book as relating to my big question, as Stephen had great faith in God and catholicism, but never in the book did was there any mention of God playing any role in Stephen's life regardless of his faith. Stephen also had great fear of Hell and damnation, but even so could not resist sin. I should be able to use this book very well for my final essay.

The Farther Shore was also an interesting and excellent book. The characters often felt a great abandonment from God but sometimes in the most trying circumstances, the main character who had little faith would try to pray. The most faithful character is killed as well which is significant. I can use this book in my final essay but perhaps not as well as Portrait.

Crime and Punishment relates to my big question with the many biblical references and how Raskolnikov finally finds a faith. Sonya, the novel's most pure and righteous character has constant faith in God's goodness regardless of her destitution and situation. Religious faith is seen as a positive force in this novel. The most respectable, positive characters are the most faithful. Faith is how Raskolnikov connects himself to Sonia and how he seeks redemption. There are biblical references between Sonya and Rodya, he washes her feet and there is also a significant reference to the Lazarus gospel story. Lazarus' resurrection by Jesus can be symbolic of Rodya's redemption and finding of religion.
Also, many characters seem to exist very much without faith such as Svidigrailov and Marmelodov. Raskolnikov seems very much without faith until Sonya gets involved in his life. Unlike many of my other books, this book lacks very much criticism on religion in general. It give hope to the destitute and helps make the sinful repent.

Big Question and Henry IV

So I didn't really notice any significant references to God or religion in Henry IV. The only places I saw references to God were in just casual slang such as "Splood" or "Zounds." And these mean very little, I likened them to someone saying "Oh my god" in modern day, it carries little meaning to it as far as I can tell. There are many mentions of sin and morality, also of honor, but none of them are indicated to have come directly from religious doctrine.

However, one thing I found fascinating in this place was the examination of the powers in the play. As someone pointed out, none of the characters are vastly dynamic, most of the play merely follows the action of the characters, but none of them learn much or change. I think it was Shakespeare's attempt to examine and possibly comment on the seemingly futile nature of royal feuds and war. Little is accomplished over the course of the play in the grand scheme of things.

Oedipus and big question

What is the role of God and religion in life? Are men subject to their Gods or is the perception of God shaped by men? What is the relationship between men and God? In what instances is religion used wrongly? What is the nature of God, wrathful or loving? Where is the line between God and religion?

My question is still really broad, I'm not entirely sure how narrow it needs to be. I don't want to paint myself into a corner for the rest of the year by choosing a question that only applies to some books.

In Oedipus, his fate is foretold by the prophesy by an oracle of a God. What his ultimate fate already known by his God, or did he condemn himself simply because he believed the prophesy? How does his use of religious references in his speeches affect his public image and overall power?