Robinson Crusoe

Novel | Daniel Defoe

Comment on the spiritual regeneration of Robinson Crusoe.

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Trace the spiritual regeneration/progress of Robinson Crusoe as depicted by Defoe in his novel. 

Or, Comment on the spiritual regeneration of Robinson Crusoe. 

Or, Discuss how “Robinson Crusoe” is a doctrine of man's regeneration of faith in divinity. 

“Robinson Crusoe” (1719) by Daniel Defoe (1660 -1731) shows the story of a man who grows in faith. At first, Crusoe is proud and forgets God. But after the shipwreck, he begins to think deeply. He feels afraid, lonely, and helpless. Slowly, he turns to God. He learns to pray and read the Bible. His life on the island becomes a journey of spiritual change. This novel is not only an adventure story, but also a story of faith and change

Disobey and Fall: At first, Crusoe does not obey his father. He also forgets God. He runs away to the sea for a free life. He thinks money and travel are more important. He does not listen to advice. His early life was

full of pride and sin. After many dangers, he still does not pray. He says, 

“I had been well instructed by father and mother;” 

This shows his fall and his first step toward change or regeneration.

Fear and Realisation: After the shipwreck, Crusoe feels very afraid. He is alone and helpless on the island. He says,

“I am cast upon a horrible, desolate island” 

This fear makes him think of God. He becomes sick and thinks he will die. Then he finds a Bible in the ship. He begins to read it. One day, he reads, 

“‘Call upon Me in the day of trouble, and I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify Me.’” 

He starts to pray for the first time. This is the beginning of his spiritual realisation.

Prayer and Bible:  Crusoe begins to pray every day. He says, 

This was the first time I could say, in the true sense of the words, that I prayed in all my life; ” 

He starts reading the Bible every morning and night. These two things give him peace. He finds comfort in God’s words. He becomes thankful to God. Slowly, his heart changes. He becomes calm, hopeful, and faithful. Prayer and the Bible help him walk on the path of faith.

Thanks And Trust: Crusoe learns to thank God. He learns to look at the good side of life. He learns to trust God fully. Even in danger, he prays. When he saves Friday, he teaches him about God. Crusoe sees himself as God’s servant. His soul is no longer proud. He learns to trust God in all things.

Peace and Change: At the end, Crusoe finds peace in his heart. He sincerely gave thanks to God for opening his eyes. He is not afraid of trouble anymore. He believes God is with him. He becomes humble and wise. His journey is now full of meaning. He no longer lives for money or travel. He wants to serve God. This shows a full spiritual change in him.

In short, Robinson Crusoe’s spiritual journey is deep and real. He moves from sin to prayer, from fear to peace. He begins life with pride but ends with faith. The island becomes his school of the soul. He prays, reads the Bible, and thanks God. Daniel Defoe shows that suffering can lead to God. Crusoe learns to trust and follow God. This is the true spiritual progress shown in the novel. 

 

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