Religion In Walt Whitman's Song Of Myself

Sections 41 and 43 of Walt Whitman’s “Song of Myself” reflect his advice to “argue not concerning God” by arguing that God can be found in the common man and by emphasizing the similar reasons as to why people are religious. Section 41 deals heavily with the concept of finding divine characteristics in everything. In the poem, Whitman mention various deities from different religions, and goes on to claim, “Discovering as much or more in a framer framing a house,” (1264). This statement implies that all admirable traits found in deities can also be found in the common man. He furthers this idea by listing the many admirable types of commoners, from a mother to a hostler. The section supports his appeal to “argue not concerning God” by offering a common ground: instead of fighting over whose religion is correct, everyone should strive to deify their fellowman. Section 43 echoes this sentiment by

This message of peace between opposing religions characterizes Whitman as a man who follows his own advice to not let religion cause conflict; although he may not agree with the teachings of religious officials, he still respects them and believes in some of the same ideals. Whitman goes on to directly address the common man, stating, “Be at peace bloody flukes of doubters and sullen mopers,/I take my place among you as much as among any;/The past is the push of you and me and all precisely the same,” (1268). The quote creates a correlation between the pasts of believers, and he connects himself to this identity. His suggestion that all spiritual people have similar reasons for finding God counters the desire to argue with conflicting religions. Section 43 establishes there is no reason to argue with members of other religions because there is so much common ground between all