Joshua (the Novel) :: essays research papers

Herm&8217s question, &8220Josh, what do you think of Religion? becomes the beginning of a period 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 each lead to similar answers, in which Joshua expands on his ideas. And because of this further discussion, it&8217s 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 Joshua&8217s reply is based on everything he said concerning religion.The question arises from a discussion between Pat, Herm, and Joshua concerning his lifestyle. They atomic number 18 walking home from breakfast at the diner and the other two are interested in why Joshua doesn&8217t mind living alone. &8220Don&8217t you get lonesome living by yourself? Herm asks (72). except Joshua explains to them that he value the serenity of living alone. He tells them that he can peacefully enjoy the beauty of nature outside and the animals also keep him company at times. But the main reason why Joshua never feels alone is that God is always with him, loving him always, and will never abandon him &8220No. I like existence by myself&8230 God is with us all the time (72). Pat and Herm agree but still can non imagine living alone without any flavor of loneliness and this discussion of God leads to Herm&8217s question.Joshua&8217s response is similar to a sermon or speech, and is over a page in aloofness he is firm in these beliefs and reiterates them several times throughout the book. He is very prepared for the question before saying a word he asks, &8220the way it religion is or the way God intended it to be? (73). And when he is sure of the latter, releases everything inside him, as if he was just waiting to explain what plurality had been doing wrong. His main point is that Jesus wanted to free those under the pressure of rules in thei r religions and offered a comforting God who loved them, asking only for celebrate and worship in return. Joshua is also disappointed in the way the clergy preside over their congregations &8220Jesus did not envision bosses&8230 He wanted his apostles to guide and serve, not to dictate and legislate (74). Joshua feels that rules and traditions are blocking people from growing in love of God, that the people become unable to think for themselves and panic when changes are made.