Contradicting Religious Beliefs of Jane and Helen

Religion is also a theme that is recurrent within the novel, where Bronte has produced a broad array of varying types of Christianity through different characters. Although these characters are all piously religious, their expression of religion is varying and Jane has her own understanding of religion which is different from all others. Helen Burns is dictated by a meek and passive Christianity. She introduces Jane to the New Testament and to a more forgiving God, although believes that she must endure every punishment and injustice she receives on earth. Helen asks her that she should "return good for evil," "turn the other cheek," "love your enemies,” and etc. However, Jane cannot adopt this passive form of Christianity.

            If people were always kind and obedient to those who are cruel and unjust, the wicked people would have it all their own way: they would never feel afraid, and so they would never alter, but would grow worse and worse. When we are struck at without a reason, we should strike back again very hard; I am sure we should – so hard as to teach the person who struck us never to do it again. […] I must dislike those who, whatever I do to please them, persist in liking me; I must resist those who punish me unjustly. It is as natural as that I should love those who show me affection, or submit to punishment when I feel it is deserved."

It is clearly evident in this dialogue that Jane is disapproving of Helen’s perception of religion. This is because she doesn’t see any reason to "bless them that curse you," because then they’ll get away with it! Jane’s childhood ideas of justice are strict and exact; more like the Old Testament "eye for an eye" laws of retaliation than Helen’s New Testament charity. Jane cannot adopt this passive form of Christianity, although she learns immensely from it, and thus is taught through Helen to control her passions when necessary which will help her later in her life.

Jane, however, cannot live such an emotionally unstable life. Jane is more of a rational human being for whom justice and punishment should be provided within this life not in the hereafter. She is self-determined, passionate and courageous strong women who  is continuously searching and questioning different matters. At the same time she does not abandon morality, spirituality, or faith in a Christian God. Hence, she differentiates herself from religious beliefs and stands independent from it.