Grant’s Faith Journey
Kile Jones, founder of the Claremont Journal of Religion, states "It is apparent that religion can be seen as a theological, philosophical, anthropological, sociological, and psychological phenomenon of human kind. To limit religion to only one of these categories is to miss its multifaceted nature and lose out on the complete definition." Religion is a very broad concept, which causes it to have many different definitions and meanings for different people. In A Lesson Before Dying by Ernest J. Gaines, Grant struggles with questions of religion and faith. Grant’s feelings towards religion are constantly changing as he encounters different events. Religion plays an important role in the black community, Grant views Christ-like figures in the people around him, and struggles to find faith in …show more content…
It enforces Grant’s belief that there cannot be such a concept as religion. Grant believes that if there were a God, then He would not allow discrimination against blacks to continue. Also, because of all he has suffered through, Grant finds it unlikely there can be a place such as heaven. To him, the idea of an eternal haven is unimaginable. Although, as the book proceeds Grant’s perspective on religion changes. He begins to see religion and God as a source of happiness and hope. Grant confesses his belief in God while talking to Jefferson: “‘You believe in God Mr. Wiggins?’ ‘Yes, Jefferson. I believe in God.’ ‘How?’ ‘I think it’s God that makes children play and people sing. I believe it’s God that brings loved ones together. I believe it’s God that makes trees bud and food grow out of the earth’” (223). This conversation shows that Grant’s experiences with Jefferson and Reverend Ambrose have changed his beliefs. He then understands that faith and religion can bring people the strength to overcome suffering and the power to bring about
Kile Jones, founder of the Claremont Journal of Religion, states "It is apparent that religion can be seen as a theological, philosophical, anthropological, sociological, and psychological phenomenon of human kind. To limit religion to only one of these categories is to miss its multifaceted nature and lose out on the complete definition." Religion is a very broad concept, which causes it to have many different definitions and meanings for different people. In A Lesson Before Dying by Ernest J. Gaines, Grant struggles with questions of religion and faith. Grant’s feelings towards religion are constantly changing as he encounters different events. Religion plays an important role in the black community, Grant views Christ-like figures in the people around him, and struggles to find faith in …show more content…
It enforces Grant’s belief that there cannot be such a concept as religion. Grant believes that if there were a God, then He would not allow discrimination against blacks to continue. Also, because of all he has suffered through, Grant finds it unlikely there can be a place such as heaven. To him, the idea of an eternal haven is unimaginable. Although, as the book proceeds Grant’s perspective on religion changes. He begins to see religion and God as a source of happiness and hope. Grant confesses his belief in God while talking to Jefferson: “‘You believe in God Mr. Wiggins?’ ‘Yes, Jefferson. I believe in God.’ ‘How?’ ‘I think it’s God that makes children play and people sing. I believe it’s God that brings loved ones together. I believe it’s God that makes trees bud and food grow out of the earth’” (223). This conversation shows that Grant’s experiences with Jefferson and Reverend Ambrose have changed his beliefs. He then understands that faith and religion can bring people the strength to overcome suffering and the power to bring about