The Merging of the Human and the Animal
Dryden chooses to explore the distinctions between the major faith groups of England through animal analogies. In doing so he demonstrates the instinctive propensities of each group, apart from their religious teachings. He's not interested in explaining what each of these institutions teaches about religion; instead Dryden wishes to express how each group is experienced. Some are more intimidating than others. Some are more open than others. Regardless, making them animals sheds light on the personality of these churches. Although they pride themselves on their convictions, these people behave according to animal instincts -- manifestations of personality as well as survival instinct. They oppose one another like the natural opposition of the ecological food chain. In other words, the formation and opposition of these religious sects is natural.
Unity Among Denominations
Dryden appeals to members of each congregation to unify under the greater value of Christianity. He appreciates the boundaries between sects as they have been laid, but he is concerned with these gaps becoming insurmountable. He does not wish to see Christians become enemies of fellow Christians because their approach or personality is different. By placing each of the animals -- churches -- in community with one another, Dryden openly demonstrates a profession of divine order. He sees the divisions as spontaneous and natural, but they all function within a greater system of harmony -- Christianity -- just the same as individual species balance the ecology of a given biome naturally.
Political Corruption
Since the issue is relevant in his day, Dryden continually addresses the political motivation of religious institutions. He converted to Catholicism during an era of political oppression. People were being bullied into certain religious sects for fear of political recourse. In fact, this line of reasoning is consistent with the purpose of the creation of the Church of England, the official religion of England. As a Catholic, Dryden is personally opposed to the political and personal contempt of Henry VIII in establishing the Church of England. He makes distinctions between the devout and the pretender, although he is not so harsh in his esteem of these types of people. He identifies the problem of the political corruption of the Church as society's responsibility.
