Religion is an important theme in the novel because it is the basis of the Amish faith and life and it is what separates Katie and her story from other teenagers. The Amish are highly religious, following a set of rules that are very strict. It is these rules that set the Amish apart from modern people. The Amish do not believe in electricity, do not believe in modern conveniences, do not believe in extended education, and do not believe in individuality.