Ender's Game Lesson Plan

What significance does religion have in Ender's Game?

Discuss the few (but significant) instances in which religion is mentioned in the novel. Ender's parents' relationship to religion is very much seen from an outside perspective only: Ender is not close to his parents, and seems to believe Graff's assessment of their religious beliefs as both backwards and something that causes them to resent their third child. However, Ender has a fond memory of his mother praying over him, and recognizes Alai's whisper of “Salaam” as a powerful moment. Consider how religion seems to indicate an intimate or mysterious experience that is forbidden. What else (in the text or otherwise)...