Kipling’s Ecclectic Religious Identity

Serdar Ozturk

doi:10.21533/epiphany.v2i2.11

Abstract

Joseph Rudyard Kipling (1865 -1936) is one of the most popular writers in English, in both prose and verse, in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Rudyard Kipling does not subscribe to any particular religion, but he is deeply a religious man because he believes in one absolute God, and the divine purpose behind the creation of man. Although Rudyard Kipling uses a lot of Christian symbols in his works, he is not a Christian. In some of his stories, he shows a unique insight into the redeeming power of love, which is the main pillar of Sufism. He also accepts some of the Islamic precepts however he is not a Muslim. He is very sympathetic to Buddhism and Hinduism and always alludes to Hindu gods and goddesses, but he does not believe in Hinduism or Buddhism. Rudyard Kipling uses a lot of religious themes, motives and symbols in his Works but he does not subscribe to any particular religious views at all.

Highlights

Rudyard Kipling’s religious identity is really difficult to trace to a certain religion, but he is deeply a religious man because he believes in one absolute God, and a divine purpose behind the creation of man
Kipling’s soul revolts at life in a groove. He dislikes typical men – their ways of life, their sophistry, their stupidity. He likes to be free of all party restrictions, so that he can study in his own sweet way – when at school he was distinguished from other boys by his independence (40)
While Kipling is critical of Christianity, he seems to subscribe to its basic principles, such as love, compassion, forgiveness, repentance, sacrifice, grace, selflessness, mercy and “unflinching faith in a personal God who he calls the Great Overseer”

Summary

Introduction

Rudyard Kipling’s religious identity is really difficult to trace to a certain religion, but he is deeply a religious man because he believes in one absolute God, and a divine purpose behind the creation of man. While Kipling is critical of Christianity, he seems to subscribe to its basic principles, such as love, compassion, forgiveness, repentance, sacrifice, grace, selflessness, mercy and “unflinching faith in a personal God who he calls the Great Overseer”

Results

Conclusion