Noah .... in this story a big bully

I am really starting to "dislike immensely" (not hate, as my mom always said that we shouldn't hate anyone) the character of Noah as portrayed in Timothy Findley's Not Wanted on the Voyage. He is mean. Not just mean, but I would say probably evil in his carrying out of what he believes to be God's work. I don't want to give away the plot, but I just finished a horrible scene involving Noah and one of his daughter in laws, that has left me a bit disturbed. It makes me wonder about the author's feelings on religion. He seems to be portraying the characters, particularly Noah as a fundamentalist with a skewed perception of how to carry out God's will. But, perhaps it was just like that, who knows. I am still engaged and reading, so it is a sucessful strategy on the part of the author. I think I'd like to read something lighter for my next read, however I am not sure if the book I have waiting on my bedside table "Sweetness in the Belly" will meet that desire.