Cry The Beloved Country Essay

Although many societies in the world believe that they practice a Christian culture, with people replacing their faith for the new progressive and liberal times, the foundation of Christian society has become worn down and broken. Arthur Jarvis sheds light on this phenomenon, stating, “The truth is that our civilization is not Christian; it is a tragic compound of great ideal and fearful practice” (188). Many countries in the world face this dilemma of preaching, but not regularly applying and performing Christian beliefs and ideals. Alan Paton’s Cry, the Beloved Country stresses the importance of Christianity and weaves these religious beliefs through its words and characters. Christianity is the backbone of Cry, the Beloved Country as the

Arthur Jarvis, a man innocently murdered, reveals many Christ-like characteristics. An advocate for native equality and rights, Arthur Jarvis displays an undeniable connection to the acts of Jesus as he dies by the hand of a native. Directly revealing Arthur’s optimistic views on native crime, Arthur’s father, James, reads his manuscript regarding this racial injustice, which states, “But it is not permissible to watch its destruction, and to replace it by nothing, or by so little, that a whole people deteriorates, physically and morally” (179). Arthur preaches on the discrimination the natives face and the destruction Western influence has had on their culture. As a white man himself, Arthur is unconventional for encouraging political and social alterations for the natives in the South African society. He demands

After God spoke to Moses and ordered him to lead the Jews out of Egypt, Moses escorted God’s followers out of the city and brought them to Israel. Saving the Jews from the despair they once endured, Moses gave them serenity. The narrator demonstrates the similarities between Moses and Msimangu when Kumalo is suffering from depression and Msimangu states, “It is time to turn. This is madness, that is bad enough. But it is also sin, which is worse. I speak to you as a priest” (121). Although Msimangu is using tough love, he helps to ease Kumalo’s suffering and he works to alleviate his fears. Msimangu stands by Kumalo’s side during this extensive journey, guiding him in a constructive direction and never letting him lose his faith. Selflessly, Msimangu sacrifices his time to support Kumalo and places Kumalo before himself. When Kumalo says goodbye to his dear friend, the narrator explains the situation, “They were silent till the man passed, and then Kumalo said, in all my days I have known no one as your are. And Msimangu said sharply, I am a weak and sinful man, but God put His hands on me, that is all” (249). Msimangu explains that God saved him and now, God is saving Kumalo. Giving Kumalo all of his savings as he decides to live a more secluded and anti-materialistic lifestyle,