IntroductionChris McCandless, the subject of Jon Krakauer's Into the Wild, has become a symbol of the quest for authentic living and self-discovery. McCandless's journey, culminating in his tragic death in the Alaskan wilderness, is often analyzed from various perspectives, including psychological, sociological, and existential. However, a crucial aspect that deserves attention is its relationship with religion and spirituality. This essay examines McCandless's spiritual beliefs and how they influenced his life decisions, ultimately arguing that his journey was as much a spiritual quest as it was an exploration of the natural world. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essayBody ParagraphChris McCandless's relationship with religion is complex and multifaceted. Raised in a relatively wealthy family in Annandale, Virginia, McCandless was exposed to a conventional religious upbringing. His parents, Walt and Billie McCandless, were nominally Christians, and Chris attended church during his formative years. However, as he grew older, he began to question organized religion and its dogmas. This skepticism is evident in the letters and journal entries he left behind, where he often expressed contempt for the perceived hypocrisy and materialism of institutionalized religion. Instead of adhering to a specific religious doctrine, McCandless seemed to gravitate toward a more personal and eclectic spirituality. Influenced by transcendentalist writers like Henry David Thoreau and Ralph Waldo Emerson, he sought a direct, unmediated experience of the divine through nature. Thoreau's concept of living "deliberately" in the woods, away from the corrupting influences of society, deeply resonated with McCandless. His decision to venture into the Alaskan wilderness can be seen as an attempt to emulate Thoreau's experience at Walden Pond, seeking purity and enlightenment in solitude. Moreover, McCandless's readings extended beyond American transcendentalism. He was also influenced by Leo Tolstoy, whose religious writings and ascetic lifestyle had a profound impact on him. Tolstoy's interpretation of Christianity, which emphasized simplicity of life, nonviolence, and personal morality rather than institutionalized rituals, reflected McCandless's own beliefs. This influence is evident in McCandless's rejection of material wealth and his commitment to living a life of simplicity and authenticity. However, it would be an oversimplification to characterize McCandless as purely anti-religious. Although critical of organized religions, he was not devoid of spirituality. His journey was filled with moments of deep spiritual significance. For example, his time in nature was marked by a deep sense of communion with nature, which he often described in quasi-religious terms. In his journal, McCandless frequently wrote about the beauty of the natural world and the sense of peace he found in his solitude. These reflections suggest that his journey was motivated by an intrinsic spiritual quest, seeking a connection with something greater than himself. Additionally, McCandless's final days in the Alaskan wilderness provide insight into his evolving spirituality. Stranded and hungry, he left a poignant note that read: "I had a happy life and I thank the Lord. Goodbye and God bless everyone!" This farewell message suggests a reconciliation with the concept of a higher power, indicating that his journey had brought him.