Huh? If true, that part was lost on me. He complains savages are more spiritual than modern men, he admires a book of religious art, he condemns acting with the word "sinful." I really wasn't surprised at all when he turned to prayer.
shareI think him being an atheist was inclined in the very first scene where he discussed philosophy with the mailman. At least that's when I got the feeling he was an atheist. All of the things you mentioned can easily been done by an atheist -- of course, you didn't say they wouldn't. When I first saw this film a couple of years ago, I wasn't that surprised about it either. However, I don't think it was due to the fact that his religious views would've been left ambiguous. I thought it as a very humane thing to do during a moment like that.
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