People
in Lantern Yard adhere to Calvinistic beliefs in divine election and
Providence. The followers of this sect are convinced that God himself chooses
the “elect”. Moreover, divine intervention is responsible for all
occurrences. That is the reason why, for instance, no doctors are needed to
cure illnesses, and even naturopathic treatment is rejected. ∆
Furthermore,
no authorities are needed to intervene in case of a criminal offence: “Any
resort to legal measures for ascertaining the culprit was contrary to the
principles of the church”. According to the laws of the sect, “prosecution
was forbidden to Christians, even had the case held less scandal to the
community”. In order to find out the truth, they rely on prayer, and the
drawing of lots. Eventually, they lead to Marner’s expulsion from church
membership: “The lots declared that Silas Marner was guilty”
though he was plotted by William Dane. As a
firm believer, he relies “on his own innocence being certified by immediate
divine interference”, hence the result shakes his faith in the community
and in God. Although a confession could have restored him as a member of the
sect, he refuses to repent something he has not done, turning his back on the
others and on God, whom he holds responsible. Only despair is left for him, “that
shaken trust in God and man, which is little short of madness to a loving
nature”. This thought makes him not only leave Lantern Yard, but also lose
his former open and trusting attitude towards others, keeping aloof from his
surroundings as far as possible.∆
On
the other hand, Within Raveloe, the popular interpretation of God is of the
impersonal yet parental God — an interpretation very different from Lantern
Yard’s belief in an active God. Raveloe’s beliefs incorporate some elements of
paganism such as the belief in and desire for charms.∆
Eliot
is very careful to never attack the existence of God, so even when Silas feels
betrayed, he keeps his faith in the existence of God, but he believes that “there
is no just God that governs the earth righteously, but a God of lies.”
However, Marner eventually regains his faith in God saying to Eppie that he
believes that “God was good to me” in delivering her to him.
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