Post #2: Mark Twain; Scientist or God-fearing?

When first reading Mark Twain's "Letters from the Earth," I was overwhelmingly surprised. The previous works from Twain, such as "The Jumping Frog," had no hint of religion. In such works, Twain was more of a scientist, scrutinizing every detail and making sure to cite specific scientific and mathematical evidence. Yet at the same time, "Letters from the Earth" is no typical Christian tale, and Twain makes sure to stray from the usual theology we know. He shows a jealous God, which at the time was never considered. The populace was God fearing, but they did not usually give God such humanistic characteristics as jealousy. Parallel to this, Twain's Satan is friends with the angels Michael and Gabriel. Again we see Twain giving even angels humanistic traits, showing that it is not only the devil that can stray from the path of righteousness.

Post #1: Emily Dickinson: Versions and Revisions

When reading Emily Dickinson's poems, and after reading the introduction on her life, I could easily see her personality and her battles shinning through. Dickinson had gone to a school with high Calvinist standards whose goal was to make missionaries of their students. However, Dickinson did not believe this to be the right fit for her. In poem 39 [49], Dickinson is seen playing the part of the average Christian begging for God's forgiveness, "Twice have I stood a beggar/Before the door of God!" (ln 3-4). At the end of the poem, she admits being restored of her personal faith after having thrown it away, yet not fully forgiven for having left her school. "Angels - twice descending/Reimbursed my store -/Burglar! Banker - Father!/I am poor once more!" (Dickinson, ln 5-8). In line 7, Dickinson is describing God and His abilities, having the ability to punish those who have forsaken him, and to commend those who have sought to restore their faith.

Another favorite poem from this the Dickinson section was poem 202 [185]. While some may see just a few sparse lines, there is much more to the writer's words than meets the eye. This in fact can be seen as one of Dickinson's many intentions. She strives to show her unique personality, while also giving the reader a message. The poem reads: "'Faith' is a fine invention/For gentlemen who see!/But microscopes are prudent/In an emergency!" (Dickinson). In the second line Dickinson refers to priests, nuns, and other church officials. Most interpret religion and God only as what they know, what they have read and have preached. But in the last two lines the writer is saying that religion is more than that, it's interpretation is for the one who delves deeper and holds it in his/her heart.