Or at least one I fervently avoid in blogs/on-line discussions.
Religion.
A dirty word to some and joyful enlightenment to others. I personally have alternative beliefs and leave it to that. Before I go any further in this conversation let me set out the rules.
There is no wrong or right way.
Please understand and respect the word OPINION.
I am NOT writing this for a theological debate. If you want that look elsewhere.
I met a person online via a forum where I posted seeking writing buddies and critiquers. This person responded that he’d love to help. I was delighted as most my reviewers so far have been female so another male POV would be very welcome. He was instantly hesitant when I explained that it was fantasy but still gave it a shot. He managed seven chapters and sent his thoughts. It was very visible that he really didn’t like fantasy as most his comments weren’t valid (as in he had obviously skimmed – his comprehension level was low). So I thanked him and reassured him that I wasn’t offended at all. I’m not. We just weren’t a match and that’s going to happen.
Then he sent through an e-mail explaining why he didn’t like fantasy as a genre. And wow was it an eye opener!
I won’t go into major detail but the short and skinny is he despises the attempts of authors (mere mortals as he put it) who attempt to create their own worlds when none can possible compare to this world which was created by God. How can anyone possibly consider attempting such an impossible feat was his question and the feeling of the e-mail was that it was practically blasphemous to do so.
I didn’t respond. Really how could I? It is his opinion and he’s absolutely entitled to it. But I was shocked. More than a few of you I’m sure believe in God – but does it stop you from allowing your imagination to soar?
I feel sorry for him that he has this view, though I know he doesn’t want or need my pity. But that would really suck in my opinion. Surely no matter your beliefs you can still have fun imagining things? How else would anything get created or made?
I don’t know about anyone else but this really threw me. It’s the first time I’ve ever come across it..
And yes I'm having fun with my backgrounds now that I know how ;p I might just change it every day *hee*
Actually, the genre of fantasy was started by a clique of Christians in England known as the Inklings. The genre is often associated with Christian believes as many of the arcitypes are derived from Christian sources. One of my favorites is called “A Canticle for Liebowitz”. Great book. Heavily Christian.
That's seems utterly incredible to me. I wonder why he singled out fantasy? As I see it, all writers create imaginary worlds. Some of them are just a bit more like the real one.
oh well its his opinion, I have read the bible in and out and it says nowhere in there that u cannot let your imagination soar. Good for you on moving on and taking the high road.
Everyone has their beliefs and some people draw regid lines for themselves, especially around their weaknesses. (I know people who refuse to listen to secular music but will watch an R-rated movie in a heartbeat.)
I am a born-again Christian, and I see nothing wrong with fantasy. Most of it is good vs evil – Tolkien, Brooks, Lewis, etc. I'm sure I'm not going to hell in a handbasket for reading or writing it!
I'm not all that surprised, I've known some devout individuals who would share that opinion. I don't agree, but (like you) I'm not about to get into a debate with them over it.
Interesting. Anyone can take anything too far.
It's interesting that he wrote off the whole genre–does he not read Lewis or Tolkien, both Christians with marked Christian influence in their books? I admit that, as a Christian, I've been turned off by fantasy worlds that blatantly reject monotheism–I have a hard time connecting to characters when they're dancing for the Water Goddess or sacrificing to the Fire God or whatever–I'll be honest, it makes me uncomfortable. There, I said it. But that's just a preference, and doesn't reduce my interest in the genre as a whole…huh.
It is most interesting that someone with staunch religious views would find fantasy as a genre so challenging. I personally agree with some of the previous commentors, in that all writers, excepting non-fiction, are in some way or another creating their own version of a world. I would further suggest that there are several genres that go much further in giving their own spin on the world then fantasy – the current glut of vampire stories comes to mind for one as does a lot of futuristic science fiction. For a writer/reviewer to be so closed minded suggest to me that maybe they are in the wrong field.
I find this incredibly surprising. I can't imagine limiting yourself in that regard, and don't know how I would have reacted in your position. Good on you for not responding and simply electing to move on.
I canNOT imagine this! Well – my brother in law is like that a little.
Fantasy is fun! You get a opportunity to live in another world for a while. I can't imagine how or why a belief in God would stifle that. Madness. You gotta feel a little sorry for the guy – or want to smack him on the back of the head…
Wow, that's a really sad way to think about the world. I don't think that believing in a god and believing in your own imagination are mutually exclusive! How awful to not be able to disappear off into your own imagination because you believe that it's "wrong"
I think you were right to ignore the email. What kind of a reply was he expecting?! And why agree to read it in the first place if that was his opinion?!
Katie
I feel somewhat sorry for that individual as he definitely is missing out on life as we know it!
wow, that was really strong of his to voice that opinion – but he gave it a go, good on him, but really he didn't need to send that email!
I agree with you on the rest of your post!!
I believe in God,but I also believe that our imagination is a gift from God.It's what we do with this gift that matters. If you can bring joy, wonder, or cause people to think and use their own imagination than that is a good thing. Keep writing, and using your imagination.
That's very interesting. My first thought when reading this was the same as other commenters. I thought of Tolkien and Lewis and other fabulous fantasy writers who were Christians. And don't all fiction writers make their own worlds in their heads (because what we're writing might be based on reality, but it's still made up), whether we're writing fantasy or not? I know I do!
I think you were wise to stay silent in this case. 🙂
Hey, and thanks for stopping by my blog earlier. It's great to *meet* you.
Amy
I followed your comment over from Winded Words and can I just WOW!! I can't believe that guy! Does he truly believe that? I am very surprised. You know from a religious standpoint, we were created "in God's image" which stands to reason that we are given the ability to create worlds ourselves once we've progressed enough. In the meantime, BRAVO! to all those who are using their God-given talents to write the fantastical. Keep at it, Damsel!
He seems like he was just explaining why he couldn't continue on with the book in better detail so you could get a better explanation as for his reasons. I know losing a Beta reader wouldn't be too fun to begin with and some people enjoy explaining themselves a bit too much.
But anyways, as for the topic itself, I find my faith helps define my fantasy a lot more. Now, I'm more a writer of urban fantasy for the most part nowadays, but I've read C.S. Lewis and that guy has so much symbolism it's not even funny. And even more staunch medieval people wrote things like the Faerie Queen, all in the name of allegory! So Fantasy, I think, is a really effective tool on that front, and it's fun to boot! Why not use the bit of God in us to create like he did?
How bizarre! His philosophy is totally OPPOSITE of mine. If you've ever noticed on my blog I talk a lot about using creativity for all forms of art (which to me includes the science building worlds encompasses in writing). So really I believe God has given me a brain to create things and certainly fantasy has a good fit there.
I'd argue about Tolkein, Lewis, Rowling (and yes, even the antithesis of that, Phillip Pullman), but looks like others already have.
Thanks for pointing me to this, Nicole! Well said, well brought-up!
Huh, I've heard a lot of criticism of fantasy (I write it and I read it constantly), but that is a new one to me. Usually I hear the whole magic argument.
I personally find that argument a little counter intuitive. I agree with Jackee. God gave me an imagination, so why would He be offended by my using said imagination. It's odd.
But an opinion is an opinion. To each his own I suppose.
That's kind of sick.
Imagine being a kid and having your parent reprimand you for making up your own world…
Sorry, my brain just took that two steps ahead and imagined that guy as a dad.
Yeah that really would suck Christine. It was a weird, weird email after quite a few normal ones. People + religion = unexpected outcomes.. or so I've found