How big a role does religion play in the book "the crucible"?

It had everything to do with it. The Puritans were a very strict and disciplined group of religious radicals that were controlled by fear and strange religious beliefs. It was almost like a cult because they controlled their ppl with hell, fire and brimstone propaganda that was suppose to put the fear of god in them. The church elders were also the political leaders so any church infraction or mistake was also a social problem. There was no margin for error. The devil was behind every evil deed. They believed constant vigilance watch was necessary to stay out of his clutches. That's why they acted like they did when ppl acted strange...it was the devil. The devil was the central enemy and they fell into his clutches by allowing the salem witch trials to happen. Their religion controlled every aspect of their lives social, personal and work. The laws of the church was law over everyone and everything.