My Antonia Religion

George Washington once said, “Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, religion and morality are indispensable supports” (Washington). This faith in G-d, exemplified in My Antonia, was never so prevalent as it was in our early communities. Spread across farms and villages throughout this great country, religion has lifted up the spirits of millions, rejuvenating vast swaths of the population. As our nation expanded during its early years, this hope and belief was crucial to pioneers who travelled into unknown western lands. In My Antonia, faith and freedom of religion is shown as an essential aspect of frontier life. Belief in G-d and freedom of religion built the foundation of this nation, and Willa Cather
incorporated three core values into My Antonia; These beliefs, which are explored in the novel through prayer, freedom of faith, and religious tolerance, led to success among frontier families. Daily prayer contributed to success on the frontier, which exemplifies the fact that faith was crucial to our country’s heritage. Throughout the novel, daily prayer is commonplace. On holidays, the Shimerdas and the Burdens both read from the Bible, and religious rituals are followed at funerals. Reading holy verses daily motivates the families to succeed. Jim notes, “Morning prayers were longer than usual. He reads the chapters from St. Matthew about the birth of Christ” (Cather 127). Religion was obviously a centerpiece in the life of pioneer families. On the prairie, families struggled to make ends meet. In Blackhawk, the Shimerdas left all they knew to come to a new, unknown country. They endured these struggles because they had faith that they would succeed. Pioneers jumped great hurdles due to their belief in G-d and their religion. While this is not clearly stated in the novel, it is evident from the daily prayers and the motivation needed to spur success. For example, Mr. Shimerda’s family wished to bury him according to proper religious practices. Strong faith in our heartland communities allowed pioneers to prosper. Freedom of faith led to success in America by upholding one of our most sacred liberties, and it is seen throughout the Blackhawk community.
While all of the characters in the novel practice some form of Christianity, many different sects of the religion are shown. The Burdens are Protestant, while the Shimerdas are Catholic. Clear differences between their customs and practices are shown. Yet, tolerance is preached as a positive attribute. Acceptance instilled values in pioneer children that allowed them to succeed and grow within the community. On Christmas day, Jim explained, “Mr. Shimerda rose, crossed himself, and quietly knelt down before the tree, his head sunk forward. His long body formed a letter “S.”. I saw grandmother look apprehensively at grandfather. He was rather narrow in religious matters” (Cather 131). Immigrants brought their distinct cultures and religions to America, and these traditions would eventually be incorporated into American culture. Unfortunately, the majority of Americans at the time were skeptical of foreign religions. However, Willa Cather emphasized the benefits of freedom of religion. Characters such as Mrs. Burden recognized the importance of this essential liberty. For instance, in the example above, Mrs. Burden is sure not to offend Mr. Shimerda or his practices. Freedom of religion spurred growth and prosperity within the frontier, and this unalienable right continues to define American
life. Pioneers in the novel respect diversity in religion and culture, which also contributes to affluence and success by instilling positive values into the community. Unlike many other American families that moved out West, the Burdens are courteous to foreigners. Not only do they associate themselves with the Shimerdas, but they are also friendly with other immigrants, such as Russians “Peter” and “Pavel.” Additionally, Mr. Shimerda respects foreign practices at Mr. Shimerda’s funeral. He recited, “Oh, great and just G-d, no man among us knows what the sleeper knows, nor is it for us to judge what lies between him and Thee” (Cather 170). Despite his hesitancy regarding their “foreign” religion, he recites prayers for the community in honor of Mr. Shimerda. He ignores any objections he has to Catholicism and reads prayers at a Catholic funeral. Overall, cultural influences from overseas greatly affected America. These traditions are shown in a positive, respectful light throughout the story, as the Burdens do not negatively react to unknown customs. Cultural and religious diversity help shape American society, and Willa Cather was sure to enunciate these cultural differences in the novel. In My Antonia, Willa Cather incorporated religion and culture into the storyline, which led to success.
Prayer, religious freedom, and tolerance of different faiths are present in the novel, and led to success among pioneers. Faith was core to America’s success, notably on the frontier. It built the cornerstone of our western society. As this great nation continues on a path into the future, we must remain true to the values that built this nation. Faith appears to have less of an impact in the minds of Americans over recent decades. All Americans, despite their religious beliefs, must have faith in this nation in order for us to prosper during the twenty first century. Faith allowed us to endure the threats of the Cold War, and it can lead us to victory during future conflicts. In a world full of perils, America is the last place in which complete freedom still exists, and we must continue to be a beacon of hope and liberty in a treacherous and unforgiving world. What the late President Ronald Reagan said in 1984 should resonate with us more than ever now: “If we ever forget that we are One Nation Under G-d, then we will be a nation gone under”
(Reagan).