The Power of Religion in The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck John Steinbeck's epic novel, The Grapes of Wrath, chronicles the struggles of the Joads as they join the thousands of fellow "Okies" in a mass migration west. The Joads reluctantly leave their Oklahoma farm in search of work and food in California. Although Steinbeck writes deeply and emotionally about the political problems of the Great Depression, the His characters also show evidence of a deep interest in spirituality. They feel hopeless and uncertain about their immediate future. On the other hand, when they leave their home, the Joads regain their faith spiritual; they have something to live for: California once they arrive and find only more difficulties, they lose the sense that better things are ahead of them and gravitate back towards political reflection. However, they ultimately return to the source of their original faith, religion, in their most desperate moment. One of the first characters Steinbeck introduces (after Tom Joad) is former preacher Jim Casy, who questions his belief in his early faith. conversation with Tom: "I don't get the call [to preach] anymore. I have a lot of sinful ideas, but they seem to make sense enough. The spirit is strong in me, but it's not the same. Here I have the spirit sometimes and 'nothing to preach about. I have received the calling to lead the people, and nowhere to lead them" (Steinbeck 20-21). His skepticism prevents him from preaching. He still recognizes the importance of his religion, but is no longer sure of its role in times of desperation. Casy could not preach when neither he nor those to whom he preached had a purpose. When driven by purpose, however, pro...... middle of paper ......gles with one's faith in the midst of hunger, poverty, homelessness, and family loss are enlightening and can inspire people who aren't in that terrible situation to reconsider themselves. Work cited Steinbeck, John. The grapes of wrath. New York: Penguin Books, 1998. Works Consulted Conder, John J. “Steinbeck and the Nature Self: The Grapes of Wrath.” John Steinbeck, Modern Critical Visions. New York: Chelsea House Publishers, 1987. 125-140. French, Warren. John Steinbeck. Boston: Twayne Publishers, 1975.Levant, Howard. "The fully ripe art: the grapes of wrath." John Steinbeck, Modern Critical Visions. New York: Chelsea House Publishers, 1987. 35-62. Lojek, Helen. “Jim Casy: New Jerusalem Politician.” Steinbeck Quarterly, Winter-Spring 1982. 30-37. The New American Bible, Gospel of John. 11.34pm. New York: The Catholic Press, 1976.