Since there is a human element in the prophecies, these predictions cannot be considered to come directly from God. However, looking at the chorus over time in Oedipus the King, we can see how Sophocles effectively defends the prophet. Unlike Oedipus, whose religious beliefs stagnate throughout the play, the chorus initially believes in God. But, once Tiresias condemns Oedipus, the chorus not only abandons its respect for the divine, but also tries in vain to find something or someone that solidifies its belief in Oedipus' innocence. However, in trying to convince Oedipus (and himself) that he would be acquitted of murder that morning, the chorus appeals to the power of the prophets and says: "...if I am a true prophet / if I can grasp the truth ...at tomorrow's full moon, Mount Cithaeron / you will know how / Oedipus glories in you - / you, his homeland, his nurse, his mother-mountain! (1195-1199). As unconsciously as he makes this comment, the chorus says that he would only trust a prophet to tell Oedipus when he discovers the story of his birth. By asserting that the prophets will provide Oedipus with accurate information, the chorus not only acknowledges the inescapable power of the gods, but also correctly predicts that these gods will indeed tell the true story of Oedipus, even though it is probably not what that the choir wants to hear. In other words, while trying to avoid the religion in which they once so fervently proclaimed their faith, the chorus is forced to return to using prophecies to obtain information - information that ultimately turns out to be true. The inescapable nature of religion in Oedipus the King, illustrated by the forced return to faith of the chorus, allows Sophocles to successfully defend the gods. This defense and support of the power of the Gods is what allows the reader to realize that the