At Play in the Fields of the Lord by Peter Matthiessen

At Play in the Fields of the Lord by Peter Matthiessen is a powerful tale of colonization, faith, and human tragedy set in the Amazon rainforest. Written in 1965, the novel centers around two pairs of missionaries in their attempts to bring Christianity to a primitive and isolated Amazonian tribal people. The novel portrays the conflict between their idealism and the harsh realities of life in a foreign and unfamiliar landscape.

The novel revolves around two pairs of men—the maverick American anthropologist, Lewis Moon, and the missionary, Rev. Andy BadGod—both of whom want to bring Christianity to the Makiritare people, who live in the Amazon rainforest. Moon clashes with the more disciplined BadGod, whose idea of faith is rooted in the biblical teachings of obedience to God. The two groups of men attempt to cross the perilous jungle, which is not only filled with physical dangers but is also threatened by an encroaching enemy, a nearby tribe of violent and superstitious primitives.

The story is set in the conflict between faith and science. Moon, who believes in the power of western science, sees a great opportunity in studying and helping the Makiritare people, while BadGod represents a more traditional and literal interpretation of Christian scripture. Moon feels that the Makiritare are capable of great understanding and growth, while BadGod sees them as savages beyond reclamation. As their respective ideals clash and as they work together to implement their faiths, they come to see beyond the misconceptions they had of the other.

Central to the novel is the struggle of the Makiritare people. Already oppressed by the Brazilian government, they are further undermined by Moon and BadGod’s attempt to bring Christianity to them, seeing it as an invasive cultural force. Despite their struggles, there are moments of joy, beauty, and kindness that are a testament to the flavor of their culture.

The narrative also deals with the theme of colonization. Much of the novel focuses on the contrast between the more organized forces of the “civilized” world, represented by the Brazilian government, and the primitive and free-spirited Makiritare. This contrast is demonstrated through the various characters, who have to confront their own preconceived notions of power and progress.

At Play in the Fields of the Lord is an ambitious, ambitious case study that examines colonialism, faith, and human tragedy in an intricate and powerful manner.It touches on the universal themes of faith and progress in a unique and thought-provoking way. The novel provides an emotionally moving and ultimately devastating reminder of how easily power and progress can become oppressive, and how, even in the darkest moments, the spirit of hope can persevere.