Ishmael claims to be respectful towards different religions, however, his reactions to Queequeg shows his acceptance only goes so far. Melville uses Ishmael to reveal the hypocrisy and the cultural bias within the Christian religion. When referring to his Christianity, Ishmael says “we good Presbyterian Christians…” By Ishmael referring to Christianity as “good”, it shows that he believes the Christian faith is the only correct way and most respectful, even though he claims to be respectful of other faiths. This exposes his religious bias. Ishmael represents Christians of the 19th century and their narrow-mindedness by believing Christianity is the only good and correct religion out there. 

When Ishmael comes in contact with Queequeg doing his traditions (his Ramadan, praying, and worshipping), he has a lot to say. A lot of negative things at that. When Ishmael saw Queequeg praying on the floor, he says, “it seemed so downright senseless and insane to be sitting there all day and half the night on his hams in a cold room, holding a piece of wood on his head” (Melville 93). By using the words “senseless” and “insane” shows that Ishmael’s Christian views had shaped his understanding of what “proper” worshipping is. He has a certain notion of how to properly worship God. And anything not seen as Christian is deemed weird. 

Ishmael also goes on to criticize the fasting Queequeg does due to his beliefs. He goes on to make points against the fasting, even calling Queequeg’s beliefs “frantic”. Ishmael says that “prolonged ham-squatting in cold, cheerless rooms were stark nonsense; bad for the health; useless for the soul” (Melville 94). Again, while Ishmael claims to be respectful, he shows otherwise- showing his hypocrisy and his bias. He dismisses what he does not understand and tries to make excuses to justify his prejudices.