Jamie Perkins

Jr. Theology Faith

August 22, 2007

 

Holden Caulfield

 

    In J.D. Salinger’s Catcher in the Rye, Holden Caulfield is not a person of faith because he relies on his emotions and habits in making decisions and his disregard toward God.

      Holden often relies only on his emotions and habits to make decisions rather than .  He says that he “quit” Elkton Hills School because of all of the “phonies.  That’s all.”  Holden’s decision to leave Elkton Hills was based completely on his emotions and his judgement of those around him with no regard toward logical reasoning.  Men of faith, such as the apostles, use discernment and also trust in God as is shown in the decision to make Matthias the replacement of Judas after Jesus’ crucifixion.  Another example of Holden’s lack of faith in his decision making are the many bad habits that Holden has fallen into.  Even though he is a minor, he frequents bars and drinks alcohol.  Holden is also a heavy smoker and goes through at least a pack every day.  Most would agree that underage drinking and smoking are dangerous habits which Holden could have avoided if he took some time to reflect and think about his actions.  Holden does not show proper respect to his body and therefore, since the body is the temple of the Spirit, does not show respect for God. 

     Holden often has a dream that he is stopping children who are playing in a rye field from accidentally falling off of a cliff, that he is the Catcher in the Rye.  As we had discussed in English class Sophomore year, this dream shows how Holden tries to save children from corruption and from adulthood, but in doing this he is preventing growth and ultimately preventing life.  This goal of preventing growth shows that Holden does not put any trust in children to make good decisions as they grow and that Holden does not place any faith in God or that He would look after and protect these children.

 

     I would also like to say that this essay was very hard for me to write.  I had to struggle to come up with as much information as I did.  I suppose what made this essay so difficult was that it is hard to define what a person of faith really is.  Is a person of faith a religious person, or is a person of faith a trusting and responsible person, regardless of obvious religious affiliations or beliefs?  I personally believe that a person of faith is someone who is trusting and loyal to God and to those around him.  With this definition in mind, I feel that the evidence I have presented shows Holden’s lack of faith.

     I also found this assignment difficult because it was hard to see a connection between Holden’s experiences and faith.  In general, Holden’s cynicism and judgmental personality makes it seem that Holden is not a person of faith, but concrete, specific evidence was hard to find.  What also made this essay difficult was that Holden experiences a conversion at the end of the novel and is placed on the road to redemption.  This conversion from a cynic Catcher in the Rye to someone who accepts growth and accepts life is an example of faith working on Holden, whether he recognizes it or not.