ROBERT LOUIS STEVENSON'S RELIGIOUS VIEWS

Abstract

This paper examines the influence of religious confrontation between England and Scotland on Stevenson's approaches to the problems of faith particularly reflected in his short story "Olalla". Religious confrontation of England and Scotland, as well as the intrastate contradictions in matters of faith disrupted the Catholic foundations of Scotland. The signing of the Edinburgh Agreement was a turning point, which predestined the transition of Scotland into the Presbyterian Church, which is based on the doctrine of John Calvin ‒ Calvinism. Growing up in an atmosphere of commitment to Calvinism, which was enforced both by his father, Thomas Stevenson, and the nurse, Alice Cunningham, Stevenson at first tries to resist the religious dogmas, but then finds support in the faith. He often uses the biblical allusions in the literary texts and letters. These palpitating faith matters are most completely expressed in the story "Olalla".