Chapter 2 Summary: Unpacking 'My Lord and Savior Daddy Christ'

⚠️ Spoiler Warning: This guide contains detailed spoilers for the entire novel. Proceed only if you've finished reading or are comfortable knowing the plot.

Summary

Riley Ackerman is packing for a week-long church camp in Kentucky, a punishment for slapping Amanda Clarke at school. She is furious about missing rehearsal for Shrek the Musical, where she plays Donkey. Her sister Hannah helps her sort clothes, reminding her to ignore Amanda. Riley recalls the incident: Amanda publicly mocked Hannah's abortion, and Riley reacted by slapping her. The slap led to grounding and the camp requirement.

Ben and Julia Young, the pastor's kids and Riley's best friends, come over to help pack. They joke about the camp and reassure her. Riley remembers why she stopped attending church: after she came out as bisexual, Pastor Young preached against homosexuality, and she felt targeted. Later, when Hannah returned from an abortion in Cleveland, Pastor Young shamed her in front of the congregation and left pro-life brochures on their porch.

Riley decides to endure the camp. She plans to write an essay for Mr. Rider, who requires it as a condition for staying in the musical. She looks forward to returning home to her friends and the show, and she fantasizes about never coming back to Kentucky.

Key Events

Riley learns she must attend church camp as punishment for slapping Amanda Clarke.
Hannah helps Riley pack and advises her to ignore Amanda.
Riley recalls the hallway confrontation where Amanda mocked Hannah's abortion.
Ben and Julia arrive to help pack, joking about camp and Pastor Young.
Riley remembers leaving church after Pastor Young's anti-gay sermon and later shaming Hannah.
Riley decides to go to camp, planning to write the required essay for Mr. Rider.

Character Development

Riley: Shows her protective loyalty to Hannah, her frustration with religious hypocrisy, and her pragmatic decision to endure camp for the sake of the musical. Her bisexuality is mentioned as part of her identity. She is also the drama club vice president and dreams of studying theater.
Hannah: Appears calm and resilient, having learned to ignore the gossip. She supports Riley and dreams of escaping to California. She has packed for camp before, making it look easy.
Ben and Julia: Provide comic relief and emotional support. Julia is nonjudgmental and precocious, while Ben is clumsy but caring. They are twins and have known Riley since childhood.
Amanda Clarke: Portrayed as hypocritical and cruel, spreading rumors about Hannah's abortion. She is part of a clique with Greer Wilson and Jorgia Rose.
Pastor Young: Implied to be judgmental and shaming, having preached against homosexuality and publicly shamed Hannah. He is also the father of Ben and Julia.

Themes, Symbols, or Motifs

Religious hypocrisy: Amanda and others claim to be Christian while engaging in gossip and judgment. Pastor Young's behavior contrasts with the camp's promise that “everyone has a place.”
Abortion stigma: Hannah's abortion is used against her, showing how small-town gossip and church judgment compound trauma.
Coming out and church rejection: Riley's decision to stop attending church after Pastor Young's sermon highlights the conflict between faith and identity.
Friendship and sibling loyalty: Riley's bond with Hannah and her friends provides a counterpoint to the hostile community.
Escape fantasy: Riley dreams of California and a life away from the “Hell Is Real” billboard, symbolizing her desire to escape judgment.
Forced religious attendance: The camp is a punishment, not a choice, reflecting the power dynamics in the community.
Packing anxiety: Riley's inability to pack efficiently mirrors her anxiety about returning to a place where she feels unwelcome.

Why This Chapter Matters

This chapter establishes the central conflict of the novel: Riley's struggle to navigate a community that rejects her and her family while she tries to maintain her own identity and commitments. It introduces the camp setting that will drive the plot, deepens the themes of religious hypocrisy and judgment, and shows Riley's resilience and strategic thinking. The chapter also strengthens the reader's understanding of Riley's relationships with Hannah, Ben, and Julia, setting up the support system she will rely on.

Study Questions and Answers

Why is Riley being sent to church camp, and what does she hope to gain from it?

Riley is sent to camp as punishment for slapping Amanda Clarke, who mocked Hannah's abortion. She hopes to keep her role in the school musical, as Mr. Rider requires an essay about her experience at camp.

How does Riley's memory of Pastor Young's sermon affect her decision to attend camp?

Riley remembers that Pastor Young preached against homosexuality after she came out, making her feel targeted. This memory fuels her resentment, but she decides to endure the camp anyway, planning to write a critical essay about the experience.

What role do Ben and Julia play in Riley's preparation for camp?

Ben and Julia help Riley pack, joke about the camp, and reassure her that it won't be as bad as she fears. Their presence provides emotional support and reminds Riley that she has friends who accept her.

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