The piece is titled “Salvation” because Langston was saved, but not in the typical sense. Therefore, it may be argued that the piece’s title is fitting, yet ironic. Jesus did not save Langston, as one would expect. Rather, Langston “saved” himself, as well as his aunt. Even though Langston never “saw a light”, he saved himself and his aunt from being embarrassed in front of the entire congregation by getting up from the mourners’ bench. He may have also saved them from the potential shunning that may have resulted by Langston “not coming to Jesus” that night of the children’s special meeting. However, an argument may also be presented that salvation did not occur at all. By Langston lying about seeing Jesus and deceiving the church, Langston
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Therefore, the argument that the piece’s title is fitting yet ironic is valid. Jesus did not save Langston, as one would expect. Rather, Langston “saved” himself, as well as his aunt. Even though Langston never “saw a light”, he saved himself and his aunt from being embarrassed in front of the entire congregation by getting up from the mourners’ bench. He may have also saved them from the potential shunning that may have resulted by Langston “not coming to Jesus” that night of the children’s special meeting. However, an argument may also be presented that salvation did not occur at all. By Langston lying about seeing Jesus and deceiving the church, Langston prevented himself from truly being saved. Can a person really be saved if any form of deceit is involved in the process of their salvation? Consequently, the interpretation that Langston could have experienced damnation instead of salvation may be accurate.
Similarly, one would expect me to act in a particular way during a visit to my close relative in jail. I was supposed to be bawling my eyes out while I was telling them goodbye since that visit would have been my last before I left the island to go to university. However, I did not respond this way as my face remained vacant and unreadable throughout the visit. The truth was that I was not going to miss her. Instead, I was grateful that I did not have to see her in that environment
Therefore, the argument that the piece’s title is fitting yet ironic is valid. Jesus did not save Langston, as one would expect. Rather, Langston “saved” himself, as well as his aunt. Even though Langston never “saw a light”, he saved himself and his aunt from being embarrassed in front of the entire congregation by getting up from the mourners’ bench. He may have also saved them from the potential shunning that may have resulted by Langston “not coming to Jesus” that night of the children’s special meeting. However, an argument may also be presented that salvation did not occur at all. By Langston lying about seeing Jesus and deceiving the church, Langston prevented himself from truly being saved. Can a person really be saved if any form of deceit is involved in the process of their salvation? Consequently, the interpretation that Langston could have experienced damnation instead of salvation may be accurate.
Similarly, one would expect me to act in a particular way during a visit to my close relative in jail. I was supposed to be bawling my eyes out while I was telling them goodbye since that visit would have been my last before I left the island to go to university. However, I did not respond this way as my face remained vacant and unreadable throughout the visit. The truth was that I was not going to miss her. Instead, I was grateful that I did not have to see her in that environment