Cry, the Beloved Country Group

Question:

lisa2
lisa2
Student
College - Senior

In Cry, the Beloved Country, what does this quote mean? "The church has a voice but no deeds" and how is it contradicted in the story?

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Posted by lisa2 on Tuesday April 10, 2007 at 3:52 PM and tagged with cry, the beloved country.

Answers:


  1. blazedale

    eNotes Editor

    The quote means that the church can talk a good game, but does not act when necessary. It is not able to affect the social change is preaches.

    One example of the church having a positive role in healing people comes when Steven opens his church to Jarvis in the rain. The openness of the church (literally and figuratively) is important in showing how the church can act in small ways.

    Sources:
    http://www.enotes.com/cry-beloved/4993

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    Posted by blazedale on Tuesday April 10, 2007 at 4:46 PM


  2. mejwestut Teacher
    High School - 12th Grade

    eNotes Editor

    An additional perspective comes from Alan Paton who was a very religous man and felt that religion could bring all men together. (See the foreward and introduction in the book.)

    The author's point-of-view regarding the unifying force of religion can be seen in the relationship between Kumalo and Jarvis. While very strict racial lines are drawn between the two men, the church helps bring them together for a common purpose--the native people living on the land.

    The voice could be seen as Kumalo--his deeds are yet to be proven. (As seen in Kumalo's relationship with his son, his wife, and un-born grandchild.)

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    Posted by mejwestut on Friday April 20, 2007 at 11:20 AM

  3. belovedcountry
    belovedcountry Student
    High School - 12th Grade

    Place of woman the Novel

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    Posted by belovedcountry on Saturday June 13, 2009 at 4:29 PM