Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry Theme of Religion

Church and church activities are big time integrated into the daily life of the black community in Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry. You can tell it's important, because even the school's name has religious connections: Great Faith Elementary and Secondary School. Not only does the church provide spiritual comfort during hard times and an old-timey revival, but it's also a place to hang out, take part in the dating scene, and get the latest news. On a more serious note, though, slavery created a unique type of African-American church in the South—and we get to catch a glimpse of it.

1. How would the Great Faith Elementary and Secondary School be different without the support of the church?
2. In what ways do you think the church of the white characters might differ from that of the African-Americans?
3. Mr. Morrison is not a "churchgoing" man. Why do you think that might be? What circumstances of his life would support your view?
4. Why is the revival so important to the community? How does it serve important social functions?

Papa's act of burning his own land is a kind of Christ-like sacrifice.

The Logan family places less emphasis on religion than education.