‘EASTER DAY – THE AFRICAN INTELLECTUAL’ vs. ‘CHURCH GOING’A JUSTIFIED CONTRAST

“Religion is dying…”
“Religion is ever-lasting!”

“Who is God?”
“He is within me!”

“I do not know…what do I believe in really?”
“I have always known what I stand for!”

A reflection versus a statement; a sounding of confused thoughts as opposed to the proclamation of a belief stronger than life – two varied opinions on one common subject; the two sides of spiritual belief. Larkin’s and Nicol’s poems display the type of opinions and personal beliefs that are on the two ends of the spectrum of Christian faith. This is evident not only in the themes they have chosen but in their choice of words, the imagery they use and the progression of their pieces of work – which is why one might find it interesting and absorbing to reflect on the contrast between the two.

On one end is Nicol’s passionate discourse of his undying faith and belief in Christ. He shows the difference between pagan religions and that of Christ, and ultimately states the p...