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Journey To Belief In This Tender Land During The Great Depression

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The Journey to Belief in This Tender Land During the Great Depression, Protestantism was the most popular religion among Christians. The novel This Tender Land depicts how religion plays a significant role in developing various characters during the 1930s. The story follows Odie O’Banion, his brother Albert, and their friends Mose and Emmy on a dangerous journey along the Gilead River in the summer of 1932. The group had recently escaped from Lincoln School, a place where children were often discriminated against and mistreated. Their ultimate goal was to find a safe haven, a place they could call home. Despite facing numerous obstacles, they remained determined and persevered through their journey. In the coming-of-age story, This Tender Land, …show more content…

In the dirt, the rain, the sky, the trees, the apples, the stars, in the cottonwoods. You and me, too. It’s all connected and it’s all God.’” (Krueger 151). Instead of telling Odie the basic belief of God as a shepherd and guardian, Jack offers his understanding of God, especially how he relates to nature and beauty. Jack provides his interpretation of this being, which shows Odie more about life and what’s valued. Mother Beal is also a character who offers Odie advice along with her own story. Similar to Jack, Mother Beal tells Odie that God is not a belief that is set in stone, but rather how he views God in his heart. Mother Beal quotes, “‘Maybe that’s what God is, and Wakan Tanka, in the end, and maybe that’s what the search for a vision is all about. It seems to me Buck, that if you can find peace in your heart, God’s not far away.’” (Krueger 308). Odie has been dead set on the Tornado God's reign, but hearing from these companions he encounters, Odie learns that God is someone who can be found in any place. Jack showed Odie that God is in the beauty of nature and earth, while Mother Beal showed Odie her experience of God within her …show more content…

When we connect with others and with life itself, it can be easier to find belief in a higher power and experience healing. William Kent Krueger explores these themes in his novel, shedding light on Odie's journey and his evolving belief in God. As the story progresses, Odie forms meaningful connections with others and with nature, which help him tap into his inner healing power and strengthen his faith. Through Odie's experiences, Kent demonstrates how these connections can shape and define us. Initially, Odie views God as a destructive force that has taken everything he loves. But as he interacts with others who believe in God, he begins to see things differently. Eventually, Odie learns to pray for others and discovers his own personal belief system, rooted in the idea that God can be found in all aspects of life and that true healing comes from connections with

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