Robinson Crusoe Religion Quotes

How we cite our quotes: (Page Number). We used the 2008 Oxford World Classics edition.

Quote #1

…I consulted neither Father or Mother any more, nor so much as sent them Word of it; but leaving them to hear of it as they might, without asking God's Blessing, or my Father's, without any Consideration of Circumstances or Consequences and in an ill Hour, God knows. On the first of September 1651 I went on Board a Ship bound for London; never any young Adventurer's Misfortunes, I believe, began sooner, or continued longer than mine. (9)

Crusoe thumbs his nose at his family, but most importantly, he undertakes his adventures without the blessing of God. He is therefore at odds with Providence.

Quote #2

In a word, as the Sea was returned to its Smoothness of Surface and settled Calmness by the Abatement of that Storm, so the Hurry of my Thoughts being over, my Fears and Apprehensions of being swallow'd up by the Sea being forgotten, and the Current of my former Desires return'd, I entirely forgot the Vows and Promises that I made in my Distress. (10)

At the beginning of the novel, Crusoe has a tendency to call on the help of God when his life is in danger (that is, when the ocean is super stormy), and then to forget about all that religious stuff when he's sailing on smooth waters. Notice how the ever-changing sea serves as a useful metaphor for thinking about Crusoe's fickle relationship with God.

Quote #3

However he afterwards talk'd very gravely to me, exhorted me to go back to my Father, not to tempt Providence to my Ruine; told me I might see a visible Hand of Heaven against me, And young Man, said he, depend upon it, if you do not go back, where-ever you go, you will meet with nothing but Disasters and Disappointments till your Father's Words are fulfilled upon you. (15)

The curse of Crusoe's father continues, as Crusoe disobeys not only parental authority but, as the Captain implies, the authority of Providence. Crusoe, however, is determined to defy both.