Go Tell It On The Mountain Analysis

In “Go Tell it on the Mountain”, the Grimes family seems to be struggling with their religion. With the characters having hatred within the religion, living within fear (of God and Gabriel), and family members only caring when something major happens, the family’s religious belief does not seem to sit well with the Grimes. Every day, there always seems to be some sort of war going on, whether it's physical or spiritual, it always seems to be about the rejection of something. The major theme of “Go Tell it on the Mountain” is problems with religion because, the characters are arguing about their fathers puritanical policies, they they lie and keep it to themselves, and some family members are stubborn and won't be moved by someone being saved.
There was also Esther, whom Gabriel invited to one of his sermons. Later on, on an evening when the family was out of town, he ended up having an affair with her. The affair lasted nine days before Gabriel ended it. A couple months later, Esther was pregnant with his child. So Gabriel stole money from Deborah and gave it to Esther so she could go and have her baby. Later, a letter was sent from Esther that she died giving birth, but she named him Royal before she passed. Gabriel watched Royal grow up, and Gabriel and Deborah were in contact with him. One day, Gabriel broke down and he confessed after Deborah asked him that Royal was his blood-son, Gabriel kept it to himself all of these year. In this chapter, Deborah says, “Gabriel, he is your flesh and blood isn't he? (Gabriel agrees) And you sent that girl away with my money out of the box? (Gabriel agrees) Why did you do it? (No response)...Honey, I don't care what other people say, I would have raised that kid up like my own. … Honey, you better pray to God to forgive you. (Gabriel agrees)” Gabriel has sinned and had an affair with Esther and he never said anything nor did he do anything. When he had to reveal it, he had to ask God for
Family members are arguing about some religious policies, some lie, keep it hidden for long periods, and doesn't even say anything, and then some people in the family are just straight up stubborn. If the family like this religion, then the religion shouldn't be performing so badly in this family. It doesn't help people change the way they live, nor does the policies for it make anything any better. If the Grimes keep living this way, the family is going to fall apart. Which is why this religious problem has to be solved by either adapt to it, or change the