tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2208627029605402728.post6415031312578999854..comments2024-02-17T17:59:25.010+10:00Comments on Christian Writers Downunder: Part Three: Reading FantasyJeanette O'Haganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11057798704247611224noreply@blogger.comBlogger6125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2208627029605402728.post-81117475036946034052015-09-16T23:07:58.701+10:002015-09-16T23:07:58.701+10:00Thanks Robyn - Even with children - it can depend ...Thanks Robyn - Even with children - it can depend on the child as to what is appropriate for them. And yes to reading widely. Let me know what you think of Le Guin's books. She writes some interesting Science-Fiction too - The Lathe of Heaven for instance. Jeanette O'Haganhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11057798704247611224noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2208627029605402728.post-52466586673362716042015-09-11T10:37:37.214+10:002015-09-11T10:37:37.214+10:00Wow, you really knocked the ball out of the park w...Wow, you really knocked the ball out of the park with this series. I have a fantasy picture book in mind. I will definitely take your advice as to how I write it. I'll remember the age group and shield them from strong fantasy. I love your tips on reading outside the Christian bubble. I agree. I will look for Ursula Le Guin’s books. Can't wait to read them. Even if we disagree with her views, that doesn't mean we can't enjoy and learn from her stories. As you say, even many in the Bible learned from pagan wisdom. And I believe it made them stronger in the Lord. Robyn Campbellhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17356555082768185840noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2208627029605402728.post-44760481383513167822015-09-10T21:57:20.870+10:002015-09-10T21:57:20.870+10:00Thanks Nola. And, yes, I think these principles as...Thanks Nola. And, yes, I think these principles as relevant to other genres - in terms of bridging with the wider community, learning the craft of writing and in knowing what lines to draw. Jeanette O'Haganhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11057798704247611224noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2208627029605402728.post-45937752615810774962015-09-10T21:43:42.438+10:002015-09-10T21:43:42.438+10:00Another great post Jenny. I agree that it's g...Another great post Jenny. I agree that it's good not to live in a Christian bubble. I try to read mainstream works as well and have learned a lot from them. When I was doing my Grad Dip at Tabor, there was one assignment where we had to read five mainstream novels or short stories and show how they intersected with issues of relevance to Christians. Three of the books I chose -- The Reader, Caleb's Crossing and Atonement -- all looked at the issue of sin, but the protagonists all came to the conclusion that they were unforgivable. It was a really fascinating process to look at the worldviews in those novels and work out how my views differed. Plus they were all beautifully written and really made me think, even though there were some scenes that made me uncomfortable. I don't read a lot of fantasy literature, but I think it's the same principle. It can help you understand more about yourself and others to read widely. Though as you say, you need to know where the line is for you. Thanks for another thought-provoking post :)Nola Passmorehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08425394685430146759noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2208627029605402728.post-27663100249453570282015-09-10T11:16:44.276+10:002015-09-10T11:16:44.276+10:00Thank you Rita. I like how you express it :) And y...Thank you Rita. I like how you express it :) And yes, posing questions can be just as important as giving (pat) answers. I love the world that God has gifted to us - it's beauty, complexity, immensity - and the fascinating, precious and flawed people He loves. I think our Bibles should be a lens that helps us to look out on the world, to understand it better, rather than a safe burrow. 1 Cor 10:26 "For “the earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it." Thanks so much for your comment :)Jeanette O'Haganhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11057798704247611224noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2208627029605402728.post-10469985747943636132015-09-10T09:55:45.973+10:002015-09-10T09:55:45.973+10:00What a wonderful three-part series, Jeanette. A re...What a wonderful three-part series, Jeanette. A real work of apologetics. Thank you for such an in depth look at this from all angles.<br /><br />We'd be poor indeed, if we only read books within such a narrow sphere. As Christians we sure need to know how non Christians view their world. And give them the answers. Sometimes in a straightforward way, sometimes in a subtle manner, and even pose questions via the plot ( & our characters' struggles) to encourage them to look deeper into life's purpose and meaning.Rita Galiehhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14586506137798711397noreply@blogger.com