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The heart of the play centres on religion and its place in opposition to power and greed. The world in 1930's was very secular and even scrutinized. The Marxist watchword was that religion is the "opium of the masses" and in Germany, Jews were being exterminated. Yet "Murder in the Cathedral" focuses on Archbishop Thomas who is tempted with extravagance, power, more power and finally martyrdom in turn (4 tempters). However the protagonist rejects each and everyone, putting faith in god. This emphasizes the power of faith and is best illustrated after the temptation of chancellorship as Beckett replies.
"It is weak as I already am the keeper of the keys of heaven and hell".
TS Eliot consistently highlights religion in the secular 1930's world; his play showing all the varying acts of cruelty destruction a secular world brings. The Ancient Greek chorus illustrates the hidden pains of the peasant population and the thought of death existed in their minds even at the end of the play as they rejoiced. They scream their woes because they live in King Richard's reign of terror, a reign without the power of the church (because Henry wanted to denounce the clergy). Beckett is the inspiration, hope and power of the people while the king of the "faithless" state, the evil antagonist. This idea that Beckett is a bringer of hope echoes throughout TS Eliot's work where the theme of salvation is prominent. Work such as the "Four Quartets" and "Family Reunion" shows the horror of a secular society and implies that salvation via god is the best way possible, especially in times of depression and political tension. .
Despite the vast contrast between "Murder in the cathedral" and other more orthodox dramas during the decade, the drama was well received. This was no mean feat as the orthodox dramas of the time were based more on the themes of comedy and romance rather than psychological and religious.
