Go Tell It on the Mountain Theme of Religion

Where do we even begin? This novel is about religion from front to back and top to bottom. The main character's father is a preacher; almost all of the action takes place in a church; the main storyline is about the protagonist's conversion to Christianity, and almost every sentence contains a biblical reference. Need we say more?

Well, why not say a little more? The book isn't just about religion; it also examines religion very thoroughly. You can see the good effects that it has on some characters' lives, and also the very damaging effects it can have.

Questions About Religion

  1. Do you think that John will remain religious all of his life?
  2. Why do you think that Roy rejects religion?
  3. Why does Gabriel finally decide to accept religion? What changes in him?
  4. What is the significance of the "threshing floor" in the novel?

Chew on This

Try on an opinion or two, start a debate, or play the devil’s advocate.

Religion is the structure that organizes the characters' lives in Go Tell It On the Mountain. 

Religion is a force of chaos, ruining all of the characters' lives in Go Tell It On the Mountain.