William Blake's Religion

William Blake lived during a time of intense social change; the American Revolution, the French Revolution, and the Industrial Revolution. These massive changes in society provided Blake with one of the most dramatic outlooks in the transformation of the Western world, the change from a feudal and agricultural society to one in which philosophers and political thinkers, such as Locke, championed the rights of individuals. In accordance with political changes, there were religious changes as well. Religion was another aspect of society that Blake opposed because of its organized practice. The practices of organized religion conflicted with Blake's view and adherence. Organized religion and the shadows it casts upon the natural world are corollary topics that William Blake addresses in his writings. The issues that Blake discussed during his lifetime are still applicable to modern day society. In this essay, we will analyze Blake's relevance to the modern world, with special respect to his focus of individual freedom within a religious context.

As the title of the Songs of Innocence implies, the views offered here about religion are very innocent and naive. Throughout the book, Blake shows us the world through children's eyes. The view of religion he gives us in Songs of Innocence is no different. The god of this book is merciful, kind, and gentle. For instance in the poem "The Chimney Sweeper" it is an angel who "open'd the coffins & set them all free." To the children in the poem, the thought of heaven is a great comfort because while they may have to undergo an enormous amount of agony here on earth, when the get to heaven, all their pain will be forgotten. This innocent vision is also reflected in the artwork of ...

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...me when greedy upper class capitalists exploited the working class for personal profit and we are living in a time where the nuclear family, with the one working parent and the one stay at home parent, is almost becoming obsolete. Both parents need to work in order to keep up with the increasing living expenses. Blake was around during the time of deism, a faith that denied any direct experience with God, in which the minds of the more intellectual people were fascinated. In our modern times, many people have denounced religion in search of a more tangible resource. William Blake's personal beliefs in defining the individuals search for freedom offers as much in context today, as it did back then. The new question of whether or not Blake's contribution will be enough to save our television, internet and cellular phone pop culture, is another question altogether.