8. Give some examples to show the development of religious thought in Eli

Return to History 8 Fifth Mountain Readings

On the first line of the novel, Fifth Mountain, Elijah claims that although he had done everything that the Lord had wanted him to, the Lord had abandoned him at a critical time. Elijah's outburst indicates that in the beginning of the book, his faith is questionable. As the story progresses, on page 29, Elijah begins to see the beauty and fairness in all of God's Creations. And furthermore, on page 124, Elijah sees an angel of the Lord come to him and speak with him. He obviously must believe in the Lord then, but he is torn between stopping Akbar from being destroyed or saving Israel from Jezebel. Elijah understands his Lord is wise and does not question the angel. Finally after struggling with the Lord at the destruction of Akbar, and after trying to rebuild Akbar, Elijah realizes it was necessary to struggle with God and that although he struggles, he can still stay close with God (on page 202).

Sources:

Fifth Mountain by Paulo Coelho

Alexander Kim