Religion plays a central role in both James Baldwin's fictional and non-fictional writings, especially in "Go Tell It on the Mountain" and "The Fire Next Time". Baldwin, who grew up in a strictly religious household, often used religion as a lens through which to examine issues of race, identity, and sexuality in America.

In "Go Tell It on the Mountain", Baldwin tells a semi-autobiographical story about a young boy named John Grimes growing up in Harlem in the 1930s. The novel is deeply rooted in the Pentecostal Church, which serves as a source of both comfort and conflict for the characters. John's stepfather, Gabriel, is a preacher who uses religion as a tool of control, enforcing rigid moral standards that often lead to emotional and physical abuse. For John, the church becomes a battleground where he grapples with his identity, particularly his emerging homosexuality, which is at odds with the strict religious doctrine he's been taught.

However, the church also serves as a refuge for the characters, providing a sense of community and a space to express their spiritual fervor. This dichotomy reflects Baldwin's own complicated relationship with religion. While he was critical of the hypocrisy and rigidity he observed in the church, he also recognized its role in giving hope and a sense of belonging to the African American community.

In "The Fire Next Time", a non-fiction work, Baldwin uses religion as a framework to discuss the racial tensions in America in the 1960s. He critiques both Christianity and the Nation of Islam for their role in maintaining racial divisions. Baldwin argues that Christianity has been used as a tool of oppression, with its teachings often twisted to justify racism and inequality. On the other hand, he is equally critical of the Nation of Islam's doctrine of racial separatism, arguing that it simply perpetuates the cycle of hatred and division.

Baldwin's writings are deeply rooted in the historical and social contexts of his time. His critique of religion reflects the broader civil rights movement's struggle against institutions that upheld racial inequality. His writings also resonate with many critical perspectives, particularly postcolonial theory, which examines how power dynamics shaped by colonialism continue to impact societies and individuals.

In conclusion, religion in Baldwin's writings serves as a vehicle to explore the complexities of personal identity and societal issues, reflecting his own struggles with faith and his keen observations of the world around him.