Emily Whitman's Influence On Religion

To begin with, Whitman, an ardent supporter of democracy, saw his poetry as the “bible” of a new American religion and himself as the prophet. He was born a Quaker, (Religious Society of Friends)—a Christian movement which professes the priesthood of all believers. He did not follow this religion as an adult. According to his doctrine, “No restrictions whatever should be placed upon an individual’s religious convictions.” In Song of Myself #48, in the first Stanza: “I celebrate myself, and sing myself, And what I assume you shall assume, For every atom belonging to me as good belongs to you,” shows how he does not discriminate on others’ ideas and religions but rather has his own perception which challenges traditional Christian views of “God” and “soul”. Many believed his poetry related to the religion of quasi-Hindu. In Hinduism, the ultimate reality is the totality of all being; everything that exists, including humans and gods. Another example of Whitman portraying God as distant and hidden from his perception is from his poem, “A …show more content…
Her early years of religious training, she practiced Congregationalism— originally called “Independents.” In her late 20’s, Dickinson quit going to church to face poetry. Many of her religious poems have a concentration on Death. She touches this topic often as it brought questions about God’s abilities. In “I know He exists,” (829) stanza #1-- I know that He exists. Somewhere – in silence – He has hid his rare life—From our gross eyes.” One can sense her doubt and struggle with faith therefore being seemingly angered toward God as his absence is betraying. A connecting and reoccurring thought is that, where is God? Why is He not seen or heard? If so powerful, why can’t He answer my question? For example, in the same poem, stanza #3 “But – should the play Prove piercing earnest – Should the glee – glaze – In Death’s – stiff – stare