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In the novel A Prayer For Owen Meany by John Irving, religious faith is explored. Complete faith in God’s existence is contrasted by doubt caused by the lack of substantial evidence. John Irving asks, “can a man fully and faithfully believe in God without any definitive proof?” The answer is not so simple. The two main protagonists, Owen Meany and John Wheelwright exemplify the different views on religious faith. Owen has many passionately held religious convictions and devotedly believes in God while John on the other hand, is more of a skeptic and questions faith and events in life. As the boys grow up and mature, their faith becomes stronger and stronger. Owen’s unwavering belief in fate and faith help John diminish his doubt and embrace God and faith without any definitive proof. From the very beginning of the novel Owen Meany is introduced as a resolute believer in God. “People are helpless to fate, victims of time…like faith, what Hardy believed was naked, plain, vulnerable… Never confuse faith, or belief of any kind with something even remotely intellectual…Plunge in—Just begin (548).” According to Owen, everything has a destiny and a place in life. A perfect example of this is chapter three when Owen enters John’s Mother’s room late at night.
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