This hints to us that religions can coexist peacefully and that no single religion is necessarily correct. Pi's three religions are also shown as an integrated practice in life when adult Pi prays before his meal, saying that 'Catholic Hindus' pray, and when he kneels and prays to Allah as a child. The film does not encourage us to take sides with one particular religion but points out that they can coexist.
The film suggests that faith is so important because it creates meaning in life, despite the belief not being necessarily true. Pi found his purpose through religion, which is why he practiced his faiths as he grew up. Faith is similar to storytelling, where the events might be made-up, but the story itself is more beautiful than reality. This is most prominent in the ending of the film. Pi presents two versions of the story-an unbelievable one with animals and a realistic one with humans. Logical people are driven to the second version, but the story only depicts the brutality of humans, so we end up preferring the first version. The writer in the film also picks the first version, saying that it is the 'better' story, and Pi replies with 'so it goes with God'. The writer chooses to believe in the more fantastical story because it is more hopeful, while the second version only portrays the darkness of human nature. In the same way, humans believe in religion because it gives a meaning and purpose to life that science does not provide. As Pi's mother said, "science can show us what is in the world, but not what is in our hearts. Religion gives us hope because the actions of God are more wondrous than the violence of humanity." The film encourages us that even though faith may not be realistic, it is ultimately the better choice.
Faith is painted in a positive way throughout the story, again showing how Ang Lee emphasizes the importance of religion in the story.
