Religion in Joshua and The Children :: Joshua and The Children Essays

Religion in Joshuaand The Children Herms question, Josh, what do you think of Religion? becomes the beginning of a uttermost of both joy and conflict for Joshua as he is then often encountered with many related questions and, later, contradiction from the Church. These questions all lead to similar answers, in which Joshua expands on his ideas. And because of this further discussion, its important to read all of his responses throughout the book in order to understand his reply and to intelligently decide to agree or disagree. Therefore, my reaction to Joshuas reply is based on everything he said concerning religion. The question arises from a discussion between Pat, Herm, and Joshua concerning his lifestyle. They are walking home from breakfast at the diner and the other two are interested in why Joshua doesnt mind living alone. Dont you get lone(a) living by yourself? Herm asks (72). But Joshua explains to them that he values the serenity of living alone. He tells them that he fanny peacefully enjoy the beauty of nature remote and the animals also keep him company at times. But the main reason why Joshua neer feels alone is that God is always with him, loving him always, and will never abandon him No. I like being by myself God is with us all the time (72). Pat and Herm agree but still can not imagine living alone without any feeling of loneliness and this discussion of God leads to Herms question. Joshuas response is similar to a oration or speech, and is over a page in length he is firm in these beliefs and reiterates them several times throughout the book. He is very prompt for the question before saying a word he asks, the way it religion is or the way God intended it to be? (73). And when he is sure of the latter, releases everything privileged him, as if he was just waiting to explain what people had been doing wrong. His main point is that saviour wanted to free those under the pressure of rules in their religions and offered a comforting God who loved them, asking only for honor and worship in return. Joshua is also disappointed in the way the clergy preside over their congregations Jesus did not envision bosses He wanted his apostles to guide and serve, not to dictate and legislate (74).