In the essay "salvation" by Langston Hughes, the author shows how forcing religion can negatively impact
a child's mind. The author uses his personal experience and feelings to show that adults can cause great
anguish, guilt and pain by pushing them to accept and practice something that is far beyond their level of
comprehension and understanding. Being "saved" involves a sense of inner peace and harmony but
throughout the essay Hughes shows how the whole experience had caused the exact opposite.
At the start of the essay the churchgoers are trying to have the young children find Jesus, because they have
sinned. The adults show great enthusiasm and zeal but the children seemed to terrified, bored or just going
through the motions. It even results in one child lying just to get out of the spotlight. (P 9) On the other
hand Hughes being one with high values and morals chose to wait "I wanted something to happen to me"
(p9) But another contradiction occurs "God had not struck Westley dead for taking his name in vain or for
lying in the temple. So I decided that maybe to save further trouble, I'd better lie, too, and say that Jesus
had come and get up and be saved. So I got up." (P 9) The crowd was no help in answering his questions
they rejoiced the moment he stood up. (P 10) Hughes did not realize that he had other choices and chose to
bear the guilt on his conscience. Instead of teaching the true meaning of religion the adults just made a
good kid a liar. His limited experience and knowledge led him to follow suit of other wrong doers. This
guilt obviously would have a lasting impression on a child's view of the world and others. After all he had
just lied and contrary to all that he was led to believe he is not being punished.
Later that night, he is very upset with himself not only for lying but also for l
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