Religion - Themes, The Autobiography Of Malcolm X

For many people, religion is something that happens in church, temple, or mosques. But Malcolm X isn't most people. In The Autobiography of Malcolm X he transforms from being an atheist, into following the Nation of Islam, and finally into a follower of Eastern Islam. Even though he is most remembered for being a Black Muslim, we see more scenes of his activism than his preaching. For him religion is about living everyday life, not about the afterlife.

Questions About Religion

1. Compare Malcolm X and his brother Philbert's approach to religion in The Autobiography of Malcolm X. How are they different? How are they similar?
2. Why does the Nation of Islam attract Malcolm X in The Autobiography of Malcolm X? What appeal does it have for African Americans struggling to gain equality? Does it have any appeal for people who are not black?
3. How does learning about Eastern Islam change Malcolm X's philosophy in The Autobiography of Malcolm X? How is Eastern Islam different from the Nation of Islam? How are the two religions the same?

Chew on This

Try on an opinion or two, start a debate, or play the devil’s advocate.

Malcolm X thinks that religion is silly in The Autobiography of Malcolm X.

Religion is one of the most important parts of Malcolm X's life by the end of The Autobiography of Malcolm X.