Real Religious Faith versus False Faith

The Marlands always go to church, and Remy's parents have taught her to have faith in God. At the beginning of the novel, however, Remy turns to her own made-up gods. whenever she wants something. She prays to the God Who Restrained Music Teachers to keep Mr. Willit from embarrassing Morgan, and she prays to the God of Driver's Education, when she wants to get called to drive the student driver car. Remy volunteers to polish silverware at the Church. Her mother thinks that is a generous act of religious faith, but really Remy just wants an excuse to see Morgan, who will also be at the church.

Although Mrs. Marland is apparently devout in her religious practices, she creates a shocking nickname for her baby, Henry, after he plays Jesus in the Christmas pageant. She calls him "Jesus," and other characters note...