The Seasonal Reading Challenge discussion
OLD TASK HELP THREADS
>
Julie KS's task - 20.1
Amanda wrote: "BUT CS Lewis and Tolkien are rock stars. That's right, rock stars."LOL!
Katie wrote: "Amanda wrote: "Katie wrote: "Sam wrote: "So...how should an atheist approach this challenge? I'm not, but it seems interesting to me that the directions to read "Christian Fiction" about a "Faith-C..."Well, yes, the easy answer is the section of the bookstore you would find them in, which is actually "Religious Fiction" at B&N (or it used to be). Funny story...the B&N I worked at had a store layout that called for "Judaica" to be in the next bay over from "Religious Fiction." But we didn't have enough books to fill up the last bay of "Religious Fiction," so corporate policy dictates that you kroy the first empty shelf and start the next section. So, practically speaking, "Judaica" was being shelved on a bay that was designated "Religious Fiction." And, yes, corporate allowed us to change it after they received complaints from members of the local Jewish community.
But, seriously, I don't want to speak for anyone else, but there's possibly an issue of ideology here that's inherently personal.
Sam wrote: But, seriously, I don't want to speak for anyone else, but there's possibly an issue of ideology here that's inherently personal. Agreed.
So did anybody ever figure out which profile belongs to Julie KS is so we could message her or ask her to check out this thread for some more explanation? I started looking but got frustrated and gave up. Plus, it's just easier to stalk this thread in between doing what I'm supposed to be doing. :)
Dionisia wrote: "Hello! Christian fiction is not a genre I am very familiar with. I would like to check and make sure that The Sparrow by Mary Doria Russell would fit this task."I am interested in hearing a ruling on this one myself.
I am also wondering if A Canticle for Leibowitz would work? Having read it, my opinion would tend towards yes, but I'd best check with the challenger.
I'm also wondering about the two together. I would love to read the C S Lewis Space Trilogy, but it is an allegory of Genesis, which although it is a Christian theme, may not be about living a "faith centered life". I'm confused as to whether that phrase denotes something more people oriented? Not sure I am even making sense, but we'll see.
I just sent Julie a private message! Hopefully she checks. More than likely she has a job where she can't obsessively check like us neurotic folks! I'm sure we will hear from her tonight.
From when I first read her task it seemed like she wanted a book about actual Christians leading a faith-based life. I'm not too familiar with Christian fiction as a genre so I haven't a clue what to read. I think on the spring challenge we had a Christian fiction task also and for that I read a Narnia book by Lewis. (Even though personally I don't see them as Christian, but more of as in the fantasy genre, but that's just my opinion.)
Rora wrote: "From when I first read her task it seemed like she wanted a book about actual Christians leading a faith-based life. I'm not too familiar with Christian fiction as a genre so I haven't a clue w..."
Well, that's the trick, isn't it? The Handmaid's Tale is a book about actual Christians leading a faith-based life, but I assume that's not going to be accepted for this challenge.
Sam wrote: "Well, that's the trick, isn't it? The Handmaid's Tale is a book about actual Christians leading a faith-based life, but I assume that's not going to be accepted for this challenge."It's been years since I've read it, if it is accepted I wouldn't mind reading it again.
I'm not Christian and find the idea of opening a book of Christian fiction very offensive. Have we decided that CS Lewis science fiction is acceptable for this challenge?
I was just thinking, The Pilgrim's Progress or The Divine Comedy Inferno, Purgatorio & Paradiso might work, too. For those of us who are resistant to task, a classic might make it a bit more palatable. {If I may presume to call these classics without provoking more debate.}
Amanda wrote: "I'm sure she didn't mean to offend anyone..for the summer challenge we read books about the Jewish faith and the Muslim faith and there wasn't a lot of conflict about that...I just can kind of fee..."I agree, completely. However, as a point of fact, that challenge was to read books with jewish/muslim characters. This is a bit different.
I browsed around and decided to go with Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers, it had some good reviews here and on Amazon. Amanda...I completely agree.
Amanda wrote: "I'm sure she didn't mean to offend anyone..for the summer challenge we read books about the Jewish faith and the Muslim faith and there wasn't a lot of conflict about that...I just can kind of fee..."There is a significant difference between the summer challenge and the fall challenge. The summer task asked for "positive characters" rather than "Jewish fiction" or "Muslim fiction."
For some, this is the difference between a Sunday meeting with your Inter-Faith discussion group and Daniel going into the lion's den.
Jessica wrote: "Have we decided that CS Lewis science fiction is acceptable for this challenge?"I would think it would be ok, the Space trilogy books are Christian in theme, especially the second and third. (Perelandra and That Hideous Strength)
Amanda wrote: "I thought the point was the same- seeing how this certain kind of person lives, or what this certain kind of person thinks, or how they see the world. But that wasn't the point that I was making, a..."You're awesome. :)
I'm not Christian, so I'm terribly bad at picking up biblical themes in books...I never even figured out the Narnia connection on my own! (And I read them when I was in college.) Embarrassing confessions aside...At the store where I work, I've noticed a lot of the kids from local Catholic schools and Christian reading groups requesting the King Raven series from Stephen Lawhead. I've read Hood, but like I said earlier, I'm not great at picking up themes/allegory . I'm wondering if anyone has read the series and might know more. Maybe these books would work?
Can someone explain to me how the C.S. Lewis science fiction books are Christian in theme? What I'm picking up here is that there are biblical themes... is that the only qualifying factor for Christian fiction? If that's the case, many more doors would be opened.I also agree with the comment about Dante and Bunyan for classics. They are some of the originals in Christian fiction.
El wrote: "Can someone explain to me how the C.S. Lewis science fiction books are Christian in theme? What I'm picking up here is that there are biblical themes... is that the only qualifying factor for Chri..."I can argue for them because that's what I want but can also argue against them, which is probably a little messed up, so nope.
Poor Julie will have her work cut out for her when she finds this thread!
I found this interesting site that explains some of the links with Christianity and LOTR. Who knew? (Well, apparently, loads of people ;)http://www.catholiceducation.org/arti...
Amanda wrote: "I thought the point was the same- seeing how this certain kind of person lives, or what this certain kind of person thinks, or how they see the world. But that wasn't the point that I was making, a..."It absolutely is about how a certain kind of person lives, but when it's in regards to such a touchy subject (specifically religion, and even more specifically, Christianity) there is a lot of room for discussion, debate and, quite honestly, interpretation. (There's so much room here for interpretation!)
If there's so much discussion on Nicole's task (rhyming words), there can be no surprise that a religious topic is sparking even more discussion.
Beth(MN) wrote: Poor Julie will have her work cut out for her when she finds this thread!That's what I was thinking! Or maybe she's here but afraid to post. That would be sad. Sorry, Julie.
{Just let us read whatever we want and nobody gets hurt.} LOL
El wrote: "Can someone explain to me how the C.S. Lewis science fiction books are Christian in theme? What I'm picking up here is that there are biblical themes... is that the only qualifying factor for Chri..."It's been a few years since I last read them, but yes there is definitely a christian/biblical theme.
Found this definition of Christian fiction for those unsure of what it means (like me)...
1. Biblical fiction with a religious perspective about people, places and times of the bible.
2. Romances with a Christian religious perspective.
3. Stories that confront contemporary issues, where
Christian faith is tested by the challenges of the real world.
4. Stories that emphasize Christian ethos in the plot.
Rora wrote: "El wrote: "Can someone explain to me how the C.S. Lewis science fiction books are Christian in theme? What I'm picking up here is that there are biblical themes... is that the only qualifying fact..."Thanks, that is super-helpful. Yet, I'm still not clear. That number four is a little ambiguous, no?
Katie wrote: "Yet, I'm still not clear. That number four is a little ambiguous, no?"Yep, seems like a catch-all for anything that involves Christian people or values.
Rora wrote: "El wrote: "Can someone explain to me how the C.S. Lewis science fiction books are Christian in theme? What I'm picking up here is that there are biblical themes... is that the only qualifying fact..."According to number 3, just about every book by Charlaine Harris would count...I swear her main characters can't go a whole novel without mentioning that they're "good Christians." Sookie reconciling her relationship with "monsters" with her Christian faith...
That and her stupid ponytail and white Merlotte's shirt.
Sam wrote: "Rora wrote: "El wrote: "Can someone explain to me how the C.S. Lewis science fiction books are Christian in theme? What I'm picking up here is that there are biblical themes... is that the only qu..."*in my Bill Compton voice* "Oh Sookeh"
If science fiction and fantasy are accepted for this task, here's a list of christian fantasy/sci-fi http://www.spectacle.org/396/scifi/pa...
Rora wrote: "If science fiction and fantasy are accepted for this task, here's a list of christian fantasy/sci-fi http://www.spectacle.org/396/scifi/pa..."
The Stand? Really?
Great link, Rora, thanks!
El wrote: "Rora wrote: "If science fiction and fantasy are accepted for this task, here's a list of christian fantasy/sci-fi http://www.spectacle.org/396/scifi/pa..."
The Stand? Really?
Great link,..."
Oh yeah...The Stand has it all...God, Satan, crucifixion, Revelations...
Kristina wrote: "I'm not Christian, so I'm terribly bad at picking up biblical themes in books...I never even figured out the Narnia connection on my own! (And I read them when I was in college.) Embarrassing confe..."Kristina - I haven't read the Raven King books, and I can't find anything to verify whether it has Christian themes or not, but I think the fact that I bought Hood in a Christian bookstore should qualify it as Christian Fiction. That is just my opinion, though. And the author link you posted takes you to some other Stephen Lawhead, lol. :) Here is the one for Stephen R. Lawhead.
On a personal note, I don't find this task that different from the Jewish/Muslim one in the previous challenge. To me, refusing to read a Christian fiction book based solely on the fact that you do not believe in those things is the same as Christians refusing to read Harry Potter because there are wizards in it. Are there people that believe that? Yes. Is it wrong? It's not for me to say. Just as Christians have the right to refuse to read books about wizards, anyone that doesn't want to has the right to refuse to read Christian fiction books. I would hope, though, as we all have proven ourselves to be reasonable and open-minded, that there would be a book out there for everyone, that they could enjoy and would still count as "Christian Fiction".
Just my two cents! Hopefully no one is offended, as that is far from my goal. I just want everyone find and read more and more books they love! :)
Sam wrote: "El wrote: "Rora wrote: "If science fiction and fantasy are accepted for this task, here's a list of christian fantasy/sci-fi http://www.spectacle.org/396/scifi/pa..."
The Stand? Really?
..."
Oh, I know. It just illustrates my earlier point that this task leaves a lot of doors open to interpretation. I've never seen a King book shelved with Christian or Religious Fiction, and I have a feeling a lot of people would be offended if The Stand was.
El wrote: "Oh, I know. It just illustrates my earlier point that this task leaves a lot of doors open to interpretation. I've never seen a King book shelved with Christian or Religious Fiction, and I have a feeling a lot of people would be offended if The Stand was."And that's why this challenge IS different than the Jewish/Muslim one earlier.
Kristina wrote: "I'm not Christian, so I'm terribly bad at picking up biblical themes in books...I never even figured out the Narnia connection on my own! (And I read them when I was in college.) Embarrassing confe..."I have read "Hood" by Stephen Lawhead, and while I liked it, I really don't see how it could be considered Christian Fiction. I read it at least 2 years ago, but I don't recall there being an underlying theme that I missed - but maybe I just wasnt reading it critically?
Rachel wrote: "Kristina wrote: "I'm not Christian, so I'm terribly bad at picking up biblical themes in books...I never even figured out the Narnia connection on my own! (And I read them when I was in college.) E..."I don't think anyone here is "refusing" to read Christian fiction. There are a lot of questions which is understandable as it is a very precise and focused task. As mentioned before, the Jewish/Muslim task in the past required a positive Jewish/Muslim character. This task is asking for more than just a positive Christian character. The link Rora posted has opened up even more doors for what is considered "Christian fiction". I find it hard to believe that anyone would admittedly agree to allowing someone read Something Wicked This Way Comes by Bradbury or The Stand by King as they do not fall into the standard Christian fiction category. As far as C.S. Lewis goes, is it because he's a prominent Christian writer that his novels are considered to be Christian fiction?
I may have a lot of questions about this task, but I certainly never said "I refuse!" Religion has always been a source of debate in every corner of the world. Goodreads will certainly not be any different.
I think I like the idea of expanding my literary world view by reading a Christian fiction book. Also I was wondering if the Book of Job would be considered Christian Fiction? "The Book of Job is surely one of the very great works of literature of the world. It touches the core of existence; it probes to the root of the problems of good and evil, the destiny of man, the meaning of friendship, the wisdom and goodness of God, and the justification of suffering." I'd like to read the book of Job because of that quote by Paul Weiss, and since I'm agnostic, wouldn't this fit the task?Again, please don't flame me, I think this is a legitimate question.
April wrote: "I think I like the idea of expanding my literary world view by reading a Christian fiction book. Also I was wondering if the Book of Job would be considered Christian Fiction? "The Book of Job is s..."April, not that it's up to me, but I can't see why it wouldn't count. But again, that's where the interpretation comes into this task.
Lindsey wrote: "*in my Bill Compton voice* "Oh Sookeh"Bwahahahahaha. I literally started giggling outloud at that, which is bad because I'm at work. I watch True Blood (haven't started the books yet) and that was spot-on.
My Catholic friend really loved G.K. Chesterton. She found his essays very impressive and rational and from her explanations, it sounded like reading your favorite uncle's thoughts on religion. He also wrote some novels, but dunno if they'd be considered Christian fiction. I've never read him, but he was the inspiration for the Gilbert character in Neil Gaiman's Sandman, and if he's anything like his character, he's pretty awesome. Might be a more palatable author for those who don't like Christian lit, if he's approved.
Well what time is it in KS? It's 7:40 pm in NY. I should know KS's timezone, but I don't.Again, I'm not trying to be offensive, I just am curious about that book. :-) I mean it's not like the Bible isn't of value within Western Literature.
KS is an hour behind the east coast. So it's 6:40 there.
Bonnie wrote: "Lindsey wrote: "*in my Bill Compton voice* "Oh Sookeh"Bwahahahahaha. I literally started giggling outloud at that, which is bad because I'm at work. I watch True Blood (haven't started the book..."
I've never heard of GK Chesterton, but he sounds awesome, will have to check that out.
April wrote: "Well what time is it in KS? It's 7:40 pm in NY. I should know KS's timezone, but I don't.Again, I'm not trying to be offensive, I just am curious about that book. :-) I mean it's not like the Bib..."
Yes, but the challenge is for Christian Fiction. I think most of us would agree that the Book of Job is literature. But fiction?
I think thatThe Robe, by Lloyd C. Douglass
Ben Hur A Tale of the Christ, by Lew Wallace
The Power and the Glory, by Graham Greene
Christy, by Catherine Marshall
might all be OK - assuming I'm understanding this one correctly.
Susanna wrote: "I think thatThe Robe, by Lloyd C. Douglass
Ben Hur A Tale of the Christ, by Lew Wallace
The Power and the Glory, by Graham Greene
Christy, ..."
Perhaps The Last Temptation of Christ also, along those same lines.
El wrote: "Sam, it's all in the interpretation."This is like explaining to my sophomores why we're reading part of Genesis in English Class (World Literature). One day the irony of ironies is going to actually occur in which I am accused of teaching Christianity.
The Seasonal Reading Challenge
Books mentioned in this topic
The Screwtape Letters (other topics)Arena (other topics)
Gilead (other topics)
Cry, the Beloved Country (other topics)
Cry, the Beloved Country (other topics)
More...
Authors mentioned in this topic
Alan Paton (other topics)Alan Paton (other topics)
Mindy Starns Clark (other topics)
Mindy Starns Clark (other topics)
Francine Rivers (other topics)
More...
Yes, I was referring to your suggestion of The Chronicles of Narnia and The Lord of the Rings as a good idea for non-Christians. I guess I can accept the first part of your answer. (I hope Julie accepts it!)
Don't get me started on bookstore categories, though. :(