Finding Faith in Avonlea: Spirituality in L.M. Montgomery’s Writing

I know it’s not just me who feels that L.M. Montgomery’s novels are beloved for their vivid landscapes, heartfelt characters, and a sense of homecoming that transcends time and place. But beneath the charm of Green Gables or the wind-whipped shores of Prince Edward Island lies a subtler thread: faith. Not always overtly religious, Montgomery’s works explore spirituality in ways that resonate deeply, offering lessons for both the devout and the seeking soul. Let’s explore a little deeper.

The Quiet Spirituality of Montgomery’s Characters

Montgomery often portrays faith as a part of everyday life. In Anne of Green Gables, Marilla Cuthbert’s staunch Presbyterian values contrast with Anne Shirley’s effusive, almost mystical view of the world. Anne’s awe of nature—her “white way of delight” and the “Lake of Shining Waters”—is deeply spiritual, even if she doesn’t immediately connect it to formal religion. Through Anne, Montgomery reminds us that faith can be as much about wonder as doctrine. Also, let’s not forget that almost everyone in Montgomery’s books attends church on Sundays.

Diana Barry’s warm, steady presence, Rachel Lynde’s moral certitude, and the gentle guidance of Miss Lavender Lewis all embody different facets of faith lived out in community. They show that spirituality is as much about relationships as it is about beliefs. And they provide a beautiful anchor that our modern society seems to miss a lot of the time.

Grace in the Ordinary

One of Montgomery’s greatest gifts is her ability to weave grace into the mundane. Whether it’s a Sunday sermon, a neighborly act of kindness, or a simple moment of reflection, her characters reveal that faith isn’t confined to cathedrals or prayer books—it’s in the dappled sunlight on a country lane, the hard-won forgiveness of a friend, or the steady rhythm of chores completed with love. It’s as much about discipline and actually showing up as it is about love and worship.

This focus on the sacred in the ordinary is something we can carry into our own lives. How often do we stop to appreciate the beauty in our daily routines or the divine in the details?

Wrestling with Doubts

Montgomery doesn’t shy away from her characters’ spiritual struggles, either. In Emily of New Moon, Emily Byrd Starr questions the rigid religious beliefs she encounters, wrestling with a God who, as she sees it, permits suffering. This questioning feels deeply human, a reminder that faith isn’t always easy or certain. Even those of us with a very deep and valued faith have sometimes thought about these questions. It makes Montgomery’s characters feel deeply relatable and, I think, helps us explore our own faith in better, healthier ways.

Montgomery herself grappled with questions of faith, as revealed in her journals. Her characters often mirror her own journey, offering readers the comfort of knowing they aren’t alone in their doubts.

Faith as a Lifeline

For Montgomery, faith often serves as an anchor in turbulent times. In Rilla of Ingleside, the trials of World War I weigh heavily on the Blythe family, yet they find solace in prayer and the hope that peace will return. This resilience—born of belief—offers a powerful example for modern readers navigating their own struggles. Who hasn’t gone through a turbulent time and found solace in their faith and prayers? I know I’m so grateful for my own faith.

Finding Our Own Spiritual Path

What stands out in Montgomery’s portrayal of faith is its diversity. Her characters remind us that spirituality is personal, and there’s no one-size-fits-all path. Whether we find God in a church pew, a forest glade, or the pages of a well-loved book, Montgomery encourages us to seek and savour those moments of connection. And if that feels odd to you, don’t let it – as an avid church-goer myself, I think it’s absolutely beautiful to look for God in all around us as well as attending mass.

As we immerse ourselves in the world of Avonlea and beyond, we’re invited to see the sacred in our own stories—to find the grace in our imperfections, the beauty in our surroundings, and the hope that sustains us. We’re invited to see all the little (and big) ways in which God impacts our daily lives. And I think this brings even more joy and wholesomeness to L.M. Montgomery’s stories.

What moments of quiet faith have you found in L.M. Montgomery’s works? I’d love to hear your thoughts.

PS: If you’re after exploring your faith more in general, I’m happy to recommend this free Bible app. I’m not affiliated with them in any way, but I like their plans – all free – for further exploring our faith.