A Religious Theme

            A central theme of the novel A Prayer for Owen Meany, by Irving, is religious tension and conflict. The story is set in a typical New England small town in New Hampshire, and the three main denominations focused on are Episcopalianism, Congregationalism, and Catholicism. While all three are denominations of Christianity, the three are sources of internal conflict within both the narrator, John Wheelwright, and Owen Meany himself. Furthermore, tensions arise within family and town dynamics frequently, especially at the wedding of John's mom, Tabitha, and Dan Needham. The religious tensions in the novel are set in a microcosm of America, and accurately reflect the American divisions of religion, especially within the context of Christianity.

            Although religious conflict is rife around the world, it represents a unique type of conflict when placed in the context of American life. While the majority of Americans are Christian, there is not one denomination that dominates the nation's religious philosophy, unlike in many European nations. Furthermore, the tensions between different sects of Christianity are less openly divisive, manifesting themselves in family or local drama, rather than in large scale conflicts such as in the Middle East.

            Originally, John and his mother both attended Congregational church, but as his mother engaged in her courtship of her eventual husband, they began to transition to the Episcopal church, his denomination. The move upsets Tabitha's mother, a staunch Congregationalist, as she views the Episcopal Church as close to the Catholic Church, as it is filled with hierarchy. This view was at the core of the Puritan settlers of America, who abandoned their native England due to it's church hierarchies. The view has also led to tensions throughout American history, as seen during the influx of Irish and Italian immigrants. Owen Meany also moves to the Episcopal Church, but from the Catholic Church. Owen Meany points out that this move is different than John's, claiming it is moving to less strict Christianity rather than more strict in the case of John, and he fears damnation.

            The intense religious dynamics of John's family are on full display throughout the planning of Tabitha's wedding, in the decision of which minister should officiate the wedding. Tabitha must choose between the charismatic preacher of her Congregationalist past, or her present dry Episcopal priest. Her mother, of course, desperately advocates for the Congregationalist preacher, as does John and other town members who desire his more exciting presence at the ceremony. Tabitha, however, partially wants the Episcopal priest in order to welcome Dan and his family. In the end, both pastors co-officiate the wedding, a type of compromise made by many American families in order to resolve interfamilial religious strains. 

            The novel explores the theme of religious contention through family and small town dynamics. One major aspect of American culture is it's religious diversity, both outside and within Christianity. The compromise made in the wedding is exemplary of American society today, which struggles with religious tensions, but in the end seeks to be unified.