is a
self-proclaimed atheist. In fact, he claims that he and all of his siblings are atheists. He
also notes that his parents are of different religions, but he doesn't say which ones. It is
interesting, though, that an atheist would feel inclined to pray or even have an opinion on the
life of Jesus Christ. However, Holden does feel like praying after the prostitute leaves his
room inand he also shares his opinion of Christ.
After the prostitute leaves
Holden's hotel room, he gets himself ready for bed and his thoughts reach back to memories of
his dead brother . Thinking about Allie may have prompted to feel like praying, as discussed in
the following passage:
"I felt like praying or
something, when I was in bed, but I couldn't do it. I can't always pray when I feel like it. In
the first place, I'm sort of an atheist. I like Jesus and all, but I don't care too much for
most of the other stuff in the Bible" (99).
Thinking
about the Bible then prompts Holden to think about his opinion about the Disciples, too. As
stated above, Holden likes Jesus, but he says the following about the Disciples and the
Bible:
"Take the Disciples, for instance. They annoy
the hell out of me, if you want to know the truth. They were all right after Jesus was dead and
all, but while He was alive, they were about as much use to Him as a hole in the head. All they
did was keep letting Him down. I like almost anybody in the Bible better than the Disciples. If
you want to know the truth, the guy I like best in the Bible, next to Jesus, was that lunatic
and all, that lived in the tombs and kept cutting himself with stones" (99).
From this passage, the reader can infer that Holden has at least
read the New Testament of the Bible because he reflects on events that happen during Christ's
life and after his crucifixion when his followers take over leading his church. Holden is well
read for his age, so it would make sense that he might have read the Bible for literary purposes
rather than for religious ones, but these facts are not mentioned. Since Holden identifies with
atheism, it is also questionable as to why he would feel like praying when his family is also
not very religious. It can be inferred that maybe Holden feels scared and lonely like a little
child at this point in his adventure and he unexpectedly feels the urge to pray.
In , Holden meets a couple of nuns who are also teachers. He likes talking to the one
who teaches English about certain books or plays. He even gives her a ten dollar donation
because he has such a good time with her, but he doesn't care much for Catholics, either, which
he elaborates on as well. Other than that, Holden doesn't discuss any other religions or
feelings towards them. This suggests that Holden probably doesn't know much about Islam,
Hinduism, or any other world religion either. And what he does know about Christianity is
limited; therefore, his attitude towards religion is limited and he must not think much of it
because he also claims he is an atheist.
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