Christianity In Beowulf
The story of Beowulf is a well known epic poem and a significant piece of literature. Many people still read and enjoy it today. Beowulf offers readers the opportunity to explore beliefs and customs of the past. Not only is the story entertaining, it is also educational. There are several different lessons one can learn from Beowulf. Religion is one of the main themes of the story. Individuals studying the religious aspects of the tale will see two main beliefs: paganism and Christianity. These two beliefs contain similarities and many differences. Readers will be intrigued to see Christian influences throughout the English tale, which was written during a time deep in pagan tradition. There are a plethora of lessons to learn from the story,
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Pagan and Christian beliefs both have a good versus an evil. At times, it seems as if Beowulf believes in both God and fate. After battling with creatures at sea, Beowulf says, "...God's bright beacon appeared in the east, the water lay still..." (Raffel 30). This illustrates that Beowulf believed God would take care of him, but soon after he states, "Fate saves the living when they drive away death by themselves!" (Raffel 30). This quote suggests that fate saved Beowulf, not God. Beowulf believes that both fate and God help him during battles. Though written in a pagan time period, Christianity is predominantly the main belief in Beowulf. Paganism is no belief in a personal God, in contrary, Christianity is the belief in Jesus Christ. Fate is a pagan belief that the future cannot be controlled, but Beowulf knew God was in charge of his. It was God who gave Beowulf victories and success, not fate. Even though fate is brought up several times, it is clear that Beowulf believes that God is his Almighty Savior. In the end, before his death, Beowulf thanks God and acknowledges Him as "Our Father in Heaven, Ruler of the Earth" (Raffel 45). Another pagan belief is where a warrior must acquire fame in order to gain immortality, unlike the Christian belief, that eternal life is by faith and not by works. There are many differences between paganism and
Pagan and Christian beliefs both have a good versus an evil. At times, it seems as if Beowulf believes in both God and fate. After battling with creatures at sea, Beowulf says, "...God's bright beacon appeared in the east, the water lay still..." (Raffel 30). This illustrates that Beowulf believed God would take care of him, but soon after he states, "Fate saves the living when they drive away death by themselves!" (Raffel 30). This quote suggests that fate saved Beowulf, not God. Beowulf believes that both fate and God help him during battles. Though written in a pagan time period, Christianity is predominantly the main belief in Beowulf. Paganism is no belief in a personal God, in contrary, Christianity is the belief in Jesus Christ. Fate is a pagan belief that the future cannot be controlled, but Beowulf knew God was in charge of his. It was God who gave Beowulf victories and success, not fate. Even though fate is brought up several times, it is clear that Beowulf believes that God is his Almighty Savior. In the end, before his death, Beowulf thanks God and acknowledges Him as "Our Father in Heaven, Ruler of the Earth" (Raffel 45). Another pagan belief is where a warrior must acquire fame in order to gain immortality, unlike the Christian belief, that eternal life is by faith and not by works. There are many differences between paganism and