The Color Purple

For my independent read I just finished reading The Color Purple, an altogether highly interesting and controversial read I recommend it to all of you. But I really wanted to talk about an aspect that I really found interesting in the development of the main character, her exploration of her sexuality. In modern times it is very common for people, at least in the area we live in, to be okay with coming out, or being curious about who they love. Having a similar experience, Celie really comes off as a modern 2011 character which I found interesting especially since it was written and placed in the 20th century. With her exploration of sexuality she dismisses the bible and the 'white man with white robes' image that is commonly conjured up with thinking of God or a divine figure but believes in a transcendental view of divinity as an omnipotent force in everything, not secluded to the sky. My question is, do you guys think that modern (20th and especially 21st) century literature has more of an unorthodox transcendental religious themes than previous literature?