Life As We Knew It

Faith is a recurring theme throughout the novel and it takes many forms for the characters both before and after the tragic events that take place after the moon’s imbalance. For the survivors in the apocalyptic world, faith can literally mean life or death for the individual, the community and the world in general. As Miranda’s family struggles to survive amid the setbacks and catastrophic developments taking place all around them, Miranda encounters different types of faith. It is important to note that not all of these instances are entirely life-affirming, at least according to Miranda.

One of the most dramatic types of faith is religious fervor, and it is demonstrated most clearly through Megan, Miranda’s best friend. When their friend Becky becomes ill and dies, Megan turns more and more to her newfound faith and the church. In the aftermath of the moon event, Megan perceives the destruction and resulting death as acts of God that are meant to bring people closer to God and to show people their sinful nature. By praying for forgiveness and embracing faith, Megan says that people will be able to deal with the apocalyptic times.