Themes of Religion

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While reading “Brown Girl Dreaming” by Jacqueline Woodson, I noticed some connections between her childhood that mirrors some events that happened in my life while growing up. I understand that Jacqueline’s novel is set in a different time period, but in this post, I want to focus on the theme of religion that is shown throughout this novel and how it has influenced my life. Throughout Brown Girl Dreaming, religion features prominently in Jacqueline’s life, though her views of religion expand and change throughout the book. Growing up in a Christian household religion was a part of my daily life. As I grew older, I began to look at religion as a respectable practiced instead of a forced obligation.  Jacqueline’s mother was like my mine when expressing her idea that her children should explore religion and come to their own conclusion instead of following what is considered the norm. My mother chose to leave my siblings and I with my grandmother at a young age, and during this time we did not get to explore other religions and I began to question some of the characteristics of Christianity. Jacqueline did not understand why some limitations were put in place and even began to make realizations such as “...but I want the world where my daddy is and I don’t know why anybody’s God would make me have to choose.” As a child I also questioned why attending church services determined rather or not you gained entry into heaven and why gender was a reason you couldn’t lead a church service. During my high school years, I became friends with a male who identified as an atheist and he was the sweetest and most genuine person I knew. While reading this novel, Gunnar reminded me of my friend because he did not attend church as well which lead to more questioning from Jacqueline. I have grown tremendously over the years with regards to my faith, and reading this novel made me feel less singular when it comes to religion.  

Comments

  1. Ally DunlapOctober 7, 2019 at 10:13 AM

    I also grew up in a Christian household, and one thing that I think is really important is to let children ask questions if they are curious about a certain religion or want to attend one of their services. There were many times where I felt sad for Jaqueline because her grandma made it seem as though Jehovah witness was her only option for religion. Children and adolescents are always curious and asking questions, and I think it is important to let them learn more about those different religions and even cultures.

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