Religious Dynamics in 'In a Rocket Made of Ice'

People with religious belief and values often treat others different and feel a certain way about that religious belief system. Some act as if they are too good to talk to those who are in need but others act as if it is there duty to help those who are in need of help. Religious people decide what is wrong and what is right. In the book, In a Rocket Made of Ice there are three main religions which are Christianity, Buddhism, and Hinduism. Each character in the book play a role in these different religions but are all taking care of the children of Wat Opot.

In the book the characters Wayne and Rebecca are the main Christians. They both have different views on how a Christian should be, even if Rebecca and Wayne don’t get a long they both

Wayne sets an example for the children and for all that come to Wat Opot with open hearts. He allows for the validity of other beliefs (Gutradt 117). Meaning they can believe in anything that they want, they don’t have to believe in Christianity to walk through the doors of Wat Opot. He also mentions in his journal that, “I believe that it is more important to live the life of Christ than to preach it, to help others develop their own spiritual life rather than forcing them to experience mine. My goal is to lead people to be good, lead godly lives, and learns compassion for each other and to live in peace. If the improvement in life is changes them I believe God is working in them” (Gutradt 117). He says this hoping that it is not about being categorized as a Christian but to live and follow the way of Christ to be like him, and to change for a better outcome for their

That is leaning more toward the monks. The ministry of cults and religion did not approve of the monks participation in the AIDS training program, traditionally it was not considered proper for monks to talk about sex (Gutradt 127). They did not allow the monks to help with the program but allowed the children come and join the chant. “The children chant a prayer invoking the name of Buddha and sing a Christian hymn of thanks for the lives of their loved ones.” (Gutradt 13). They gave praise to both Buddha and God not knowing any better because they were taught to choose whatever religion they want and they chose both. As in chapter nine it talks about the children and how they all go into the crematorium where they talk and remember their loved ones, they use burning incense as a way to talk to the dead. The local Christian ministries has warned the children that burning incense is a heathen Buddhist practice; anyone who offers their deceased parents the blessing of the fragrant, sacred smoke will be sent to hell (Gutradt 53). The local Christians don’t approve that they are burning incense to talk to the dead because they believe that they should be a part of Christianity to become a follower of Christ, to what is right and go to