Understanding Religion in American Literature
Lew Wallace, Union general in the American Civil War, saw a great future in United States of America, which was a young nation back then. "Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ" was the most influential Christian book of the 19th century, prompting some readers to wonder if Judah Ben-Hur was a real character. The same readers didn't read "The Count of Monte Cristo" (or they aren't huge fans of Alexandre Dumas). Did Wallace, a native of Brookville, Indiana, misled his readers? Not at all. He did an improvisation of sort, which could allude to how religion shaped the American landscape.
Thomas Jefferson, one of the Founding Fathers, struggled with religion, which led him to come up with "The Life and Morals of Jesus of Nazareth". He edited the New Testament, reconciling the teachings of Jesus with the ideals of the Enlightenment. You would encounter Jefferson's work in the secondary list of reading if American literature is your major. (The same thing applies to students who are taking it as a minor or elective.) You might wonder if there's an American college offering a course on religion in American literature. It's likely that you would have to ask your professor about it. You can also bring up the subject while conversing with your tutor. It would be the right topic to apply your knowledge in literary criticism, even if the current political climate would make you think twice about it.
This topic might not get off the ground if you wouldn't compare it with religion in English literature. After all, the discussion (or conversation) would be incomplete without making reference to "Pilgrim's Progress". Let's get pass the titles, though. What topics would interest your professor?
Suggested Essay Topics for Your Consideration
How religion would play a part in the abolition of slavery. You might stretch your mental faculty if you cite Mark Twain in this topic, but it can be done if you can find a correlation with Solomon Northup's autobiography. It's unlikely that the latter would make the primary list, but it doesn't matter. You would guess that the preachers, who come all the way from Great Britain, have instilled the virtues of democracy on the minds of the (former) slaves. Your other option is not to mention any novel, citing a play instead. There are lots of fine playwrights, so cite anyone other than Arthur Miller.
Does religious freedom equate to democracy? Your coursemates may raise their eyebrows upon your mention of "Les Misérables", but it won't be a ridiculous argument at all. Many residents of New England were up to date with the tumultuous happenings in Europe during the 18th century. You don't have to elaborate on it (or you wouldn't write about religious freedom at all). This might be a challenging topic, as you need to look at the works of Jefferson and the other esteemed figures who played a part in the events that took place in 1776 and beyond. You might be discouraged by this one, as lack of time won't make it possible to do frequent visits to the library. The next one perhaps.
Why do American museums don't recognize religion? It won't take a minute to give a lengthy response. No one might visit a museum if religion is acknowledged at all. (And Hollywood producers won't entertain the thoughts of producing comedies like "Night at the Museum".) There's no need to find out if there's a local museum in your vicinity, as an online research would give you the answers to come up with a compelling argument. Does the neglect come from the diversity of religions? No one has the time, right? You're veering from the main subject if you mention Donald Trump in a sentence.
The story of the Puritans is also the story of America. Popular culture didn't depict the Puritans as rebels, who improvised their own way of worshiping. "The Crucible", alluding to McCarthyism, may not be good enough. "The Scarlet Letter" would be close, but not quite. How about "A Puritan Theology: Doctrine for Life"? Authors Joel Beeke and Mark Jones did a great job. You could have a lead here.
Name a book that confirms America as a land of transplanted religions. A graduate student in the English Department might help you on this one, but no one would forbid you to make a wild guess. How about the African slaves introducing Islam to America? This would be an intriguing topic, but you may not have time to look for titles to back up your argument. Better ask other students (from other departments), if not your local librarian.
Your Struggle is a Privilege
A graduate degree may be the farthest from your mind, but your professors would be impressed at you. The compliments should give you confidence to study other courses without trepidation. After all, the ease (or difficulty) would depend on your knowledge of a particular genre. What makes religion (in American literature) stand out is the extent of research that you must do. It should make a very rewarding experience, but don’t whine about your struggles while studying it.
