Marshall Gregory Junk Yard Rided Analysis

One aspect of Marshall Gregory’s article, “Junk-Yard Rided,” that I find confusing is Gregory’s relationship with God and religion. Did Gregory see religion as a positive aspect of his life or a negative one? It is quite puzzling to follow his commentary on religion as he constantly contradicts himself. One instance in which Gregory juxtaposes his thoughts on religion is on page eight when he writes, “but if God was my accuser and scourge, he was also my savior.” Here, in just one sentence, we see Gregory’s confusion towards God and religion. A possible reason that Gregory’s thoughts on religion are so perplexing is because he did not have anyone in which to confide his thoughts and emotions. As a result of this, none of his questions are ever
answered and none of his feelings are ever explored. All of his curiosities as a child about the ambiguous subject that is God and religion has no outlet; therefore, he has to grapple with these contradicting feelings towards his religion and God, and all he knows is that his religion brings him both joy and grief. Another possibility of why he struggles with the subject of religion may have been because it parallels with the struggles of his inner-self. Gregory’s religious battle reflects the battle he fights of who he wants to become as an individual: taking the easy path to become a miserable failure like his parents, or overcoming the hardships and obstacles to become a man of purpose and love.