Religion

Religion is a very complex issue within the novel. In some ways, it is portrayed to be a positive thing. Arguably the most upstanding character within the novel is Cloninger, who takes in various wayward children and who openly professes to be a Christian; he is also shown at various points to be praying with his family. When Beth is at her lowest point when Rachel runs away, she is sustained by rediscovering religion. Luke also rehabilitates himself by turning to religion, becoming someone that Pete can finally rely on instead of just being a burden on his older brother. Pete tells Pearl that he has worked with people from a variety of religious backgrounds and has sometimes found it to be a positive experience, such as some Mormons he knew who were the best neighbors he ever had.

However, religion is also shown to have...