Explain why The Tragical History of Doctor Faustus by Marlowe is a Christian tragedy.

I cannot write an essay for you, but I can point out
aspects of the play that indicate that Marlowe's The Tragical History of
Doctor Faustus is a Christian tragedy.

Faustus
is an accomplished scholar. He understands theology,
but...

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Significantly, Faustus rejects theology because
of a misunderstanding of the relationship between divine justice and Christian
mercy.

While considering
other avenues of study to pursue, such as philosophy, medicine and law, Faustus decides
to follow the study of black magic. Faustus makes a pact with the Devil, trading his
soul for twenty-four years of service from Mephistophilis. From the standpoint of
Christianity, this story is a tragedy first because Faustus refuses to be reasoned with:
his knowledge and egotism convince him of his own href="http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/infallible">infallibility.
While he believes in the power of the Devil, he does not fully consider the power of
God. He is compared to Icarus to tries to fly too close to heaven with "his waxen
wings."

Again in terms of the play being a Christian
tragedy, a desire for knowledge—much like that which motivated Eve in the story of Adam
and Eve from the Bible's book of Genesis—makes Faustus a tragic figure. He is lured into
a "false sense of security" (as is Shakespeare's Macbeth),
believing that he is fully capable of controlling Mephistophilis, a minion of the
Devil.

Faustus' refusal to believe in hell is a
misconception that would be tragic from a Christian standpoint. If one has no concern
for reprecussions in terms of one's behavior, what then serves as a deterent in avoiding
certain actions—especially if a person's integrity has been
compromised?

Finally, Faustus' lack of moral fortitude
makes this play a Christian tragedy. While his heart is aware of what he
should do (and he is tempted and almost swayed
several times to repent), he allows Lucifer and his servants to
distract him from God's will in his life. Eventually, even his loss of hope of
redemption and fear of physical suffering at Lucifer's
hands (without fear for his immortal soul), paint Faustus' story as a tragedy of
monumental proportions.