Create a new account

It's simple, and free.

The Church in America & Protagonist of Rabbit, Run

Harry "Rabbit" Angstrom, the protagonist of Rabbit, Run, is a picture of the state of the church in America. He has grown up with religion, and believes he retains religion as well as he retains his memory of other things he did in his childhood. But John Updike tells the story of what Rabbit does as an adult, and even the most irreligious reader would recognize these deeds as unchristian. These sins are what the writings of both Thomas Aquinas and Aurelius Augustine speak on, analyzing the condition of Harry "Rabbit" Angstrom, its cause, and the only cure.

When Harry Angstrom hears God's name he feels guilty (Updike 7) which to Harry indicates that he's a "Christian." However, since the definition of Christian is one who follows Christ and tries to imitate Him, the opposite would be true. The discipleship of Christ would cause one to feel joy, or at least pride, at the name of Jesus. What makes Harry Angstrom feel joy is not Christ, but basketball. He will even interrupt a group of strangers to get the joy of sinking a basket that he has become addicted to: "though he shot from an angle the ball is not going toward the backboard. It was not aimed there. It drops into the circle of the rim, whipping the net with a ladylike whisper. 'Hey!' he shouts in pride."

If living the Christian life meant playing basketball Rabbit would be greatest in the kingdom of heaven, but that isn't the case, and heaven isn't his goal. In fact, since Jesus came to save and forgive sinners, and guilt means sin, then one who feels guilty is exactly one who is not saved and not a Christian. Jesus said

Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from, ye that work iniquity (Matt 7:22-23).

Thus, even a work specifically reserved to God such as casting out demons (Matt. ...

Page 1 of 9 Next >

More on The Church in America & Protagonist of Rabbit, Run...

Loading...
APA     MLA     Chicago
The Church in America & Protagonist of Rabbit, Run. (1969, December 31). In LotsofEssays.com. Retrieved 01:10, July 16, 2025, from https://www.lotsofessays.com/viewpaper/1689576.html