Religion in Fiction: Aesthetic Appreciation Over Belief

When delving into the world of literature, particularly novels set within religious communities, itrsquo;s often tempting to scrutinize the religious beliefs depicted against our own. However, as I recently engaged with David Williamsrsquo; When the English Fall, set in an Amish community, I was reminded of the broader aspects that make a novel impactful beyond its religious backdrop.

The Role of Aesthetic Appreciation in Novels

I must admit, had I not been compelled to read other works like C.S. Lewisrsquo; The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe, I might have found it difficult to engage with that novel. Despite my distaste for Christianity and Catholicism in particular, there are religious settings in literature that manage to transcend my personal beliefs.

Religious Fiction Beyond Personal Beliefs

Isaac Bashevis Singerrsquo;s Yentl the Yeshiva Boy, a story set within a religious community, would be a challenge to read if I demanded religious alignment with my personal beliefs. Nevertheless, it is precisely works that challenge and expand our understanding of religion that I find most engaging.

While I was raised in a Catholic family, religion has played little to no significant role in my personal life. My distaste for Christianity and Catholicism, in particular, has shaped my literary preferences. However, there are religious settings in novels that I find deeply moving and psychologically insightful, even without accepting the underlying beliefs.

Examples of Honest and Moving Religious Novels

Here are a few examples of novels that I consider outstanding, even if I do not subscribe to the depicted religions:

Francois Mauriac - Le Nud de vipères La Pharisienne

Francois Mauriacrsquo;s novel Le Nud de vipères La Pharisienne presents a backdrop of Catholicism and explores the psychological struggles of belief and non-belief with honesty and depth. Mauriac’s work does not require the reader to accept Christian doctrines; rather, it focuses on human psychology and the intricate nature of faith.

Graham Greene - The Power and the Glory

Graham Greenersquo;s The Power and the Glory is another powerful example. Set during the anti-revolutionary movement in Mexico, the novel explores the complex and often corrupt nature of religious institutions and the human struggle for faith. Greene’s writing is both honest and critical, making it a compelling read.

J. F. Powers - Morte drsquo;Urban

J. F. Powersrsquo; Morte drsquo;Urban is a poignant exploration of religious beliefs and human psychology through the character of Urban, a ruined priest. Powers’s work is marked by its honesty and intelligence, offering an authentic portrayal of a man grappling with his faith.

Georges Bernanos - Journal drsquo;un curé de campagne

Georges Bernanosrsquo; Journal drsquo;un curé de campagne is a dense and complex work, written in the form of a journal. It delves into the spiritual and psychological turmoil of a rural priest, providing a deeply moving account of the struggles within a religious community. Bernanosrsquo; writing is insightful and often challenging, making it a thought-provoking read.

Personal Reflections on Brideshead Revisited

I have a history with Evelyn Waughrsquo;s Brideshead Revisited. Initially, I enjoyed the novel, but upon a recent re-reading, I found it deeply annoying. The religious aspects in the novel struck me as dishonest and insincere. The religious backdrop seems to be a prop rather than a genuine belief system. This criticism is further supported by Dostoevskyrsquo;s The Brothers Karamazov, where the Russian Orthodox Church aspects are not taken seriously, and the religious arguments of Alyosha Karamazov fall short of winning much sympathy.

Similarly, when Tolstoy delves into religion, it often disturbs me. Tolstoyrsquo;s tone can be too didactic, and I prefer when authors allow the reader to engage with the material without being lectured.

It is important to remember that aesthetic appreciation in literature is not solely dependent on the acceptance of religious beliefs. Rather, it is the honesty and intelligence with which an author portrays the subject that truly matters.