In reading literature by different authors and experiencing that of different genres, the reader is often exposed to a variety of interpretations of Christianity. These assorted representations often display Christianity as a close-minded and ignorant ideology. Christians are depicted as blindly believing that they are guaranteed a better life after they die based solely on the fact that they believe in Jesus Christ. Albert Camus's novel, The Stranger, is no exception to this rule. In Camus's novel, Christians are presented as using their faith as a crutch on which they rely with no other explanation for their belief other than the fact that without it, their lives would be meaningless, similar to that of Meursault. .
The first experience Meursault and the reader have with a Christian in the novel is during the Meursault's second interview with the magistrate. While the magistrate is struggling to determine why Meursault murdered the Arab, the magistrate suddenly confronts Meursault with a crucifix and he presents his version of the Gospel. .
Speaking very quickly and passionately, [the magistrate] told [Meursault] that he believed in God, that it was his conviction that no man was so guilty that God would not forgive him, but in order for that to happen a man must repent and in so doing become like a child whose heart is open an ready to embrace all (68).
This explanation appears to be well founded and in accordance with what most Christians believe. Unfortunately, the magistrate's next response seems to indicate that he lacks the fundamental personal relationship with God that enables us Christians to provide a better response as to why we believe in Jesus Christ. The magistrate's only response is, ""Do you want my life to be meaningless?"" (69). This response as well as the manner in which he appears to attack Meursault in order to scare him into believing causes the reader to question his motives.