The Damnation of Theron Ware

Set in small-town upper New York State, the novel explores the journey of an idealistic Methodist minister who, influenced by progressive ideas, begins to question his faith. As he grapples with skepticism towards his religion, he faces intense backlash from his community, which views his transformation as a moral failure. This clash between personal belief and societal expectations highlights the themes of narrow-mindedness and the struggle for intellectual freedom in the late 19th century.