Hello I would like to put a different topic
that is not listed on our weekly blog topics.
And I would like approach on this topic
about what are the reactions of Christians on such a genre of Fantasy.
What is the term of Fantasy? Well it is a
genre of fiction that is commonly define the use of magics, supernatural
phenomena as the main elements of its structures which also portrays in a
imaginary worlds, where as also contains the settings of light and dark, angels
and demons. From this it has lead to some assumptions of negative reactions to
fantasy. In some cases that in the world of religion(Christianity) that fantasy
is pagan and its wrong. And I question this to myself why is it pagan? In the
view of Christianity this had lead to a problem because fantasy has enveloped
such a world wide scale of influences towards the audiences in any age and
gender. But why is it pagan? Some Christians are really against this. Why?
Is it because fantasy has switched the
mindsets of many audiences as the results they start to believe to such extent
that fantasy is real.
From this over the years of development as
became even more influential throughout the globe in novels/books, movies, etc.
from this again it has twisted the minds of the audience then became heavily influenced.
As the results then began to make their own groups for example “Jedi Religion”
this is the effect from watching too much Star Wars and starting to believe
that the Force is real. And some other form of beliefs they start to do a
demonology practices and sorcery as to communicating to the supernatural world.
From this the Christians began to be
offended by these heathen acts of beliefs and practices. And also other reasons
that this angers the Christians is that these people are breaking the law on
the Christian beliefs and also consider it a sin from the Bible. In addition is
that the Bible is the only source of beliefs and should be the only one.
Please feel free to comment.
Hi Lois, you don't mention whether these are your beliefs or whether this is a topic you've researched. If this is a topic that you have researched, then please reference the readings and/or links that you have found - otherwise I'm afraid it's just hearsay.
ReplyDeleteIt is an interesting topic and there is much scope for (respectful) discussion, but you will have to be more specific, and also use examples from Earthsea to show that you have completed the required readings.
I find the use of the term 'Christian' in this entry quite offensive. You speak about 'Christians' as if they are the 'other', in the same way that people have for centuries talked about 'gays' and 'blacks'. There is more to being a Christian than just being 'Christian' and not every Christian believes the same thing - I mean to say that people (individuals) have different ideologies and I feel that this is blatant stereotyping with no references to back up what is being said.
ReplyDeleteHi Lois, I sense you are at the limits of your English here. Language problems can give rise to misunderstanding. I think you make some valid points. Fantasy is not necessarily just harmless entertainment, not if it is evoking archetypes and appealing to us in the language of symbols and images. It can and does have a profound effect on the imagination, you are right on that!
ReplyDeleteMy original point in the lecture was a technical one. Christians of all varieties are monotheists. Fantasy worlds are invariably polytheistic. This makes some Christians uneasy. So the issue is, does it make you uneasy, if are a Christian?
Matthew, you might have got the wrong impression here. I got the idea that Lois was attempting to outline some of the worries a Christian might have about the Fantasy genre, not put all Christians in a box. I think Lois could clear this up quite quickly.
What do the rest of you in the blogging group think? And how might this relate to Princess Mononoke, which is all about the death of the old pagan forest gods!
I agree with Mike, I apologize for my English as it is my 2nd language and speaking 3 different languages everyday, I find it difficult to be really academic.
ReplyDeleteAnd my point is that, I myself as a Christian and born in a christian family. And to what i have observed to some christians is that they would go to such extent to put a stop in to this pagan beliefs this isnt some problem that occurred recently but its been going on for years since the dark ages. And to be honest as Christian i find fantasy quiet fascinating to read as it is like getting out from the real world. And also I admittedly that I have read the Bible from front to back, and Yes it has supernatural events occurred miracles performed etc.
Lastly in my oppinion fantasy genre is not so bad to read and watch, but really i would not go to extremes upon believing some are real and that would greatly influence the mind of an individual.
I over-reacted a bit, but only because there were no references and it's all sort of hear-say, even if you are speaking from your own experience as a Christian. BUT - It would be interesting to see this entry developed further, that's for sure! It's a good topic! A simple Google search brings up thousands of hits, some even scholarly!
ReplyDeleteWith regards to your question, Mike, "how might this relate to Princess Mononoke, which is all about the death of the old pagan forest gods!", it seems there are many people talking about this out there in the World Wide Web! One Christian blogger, posting under the name TWWK, suggests that the forest spirit in Princess Mononoke can be seen as symbolic of God in Christianity, and that Ashitaka's journey of finding peace (or a cure for the curse) represents a Christian's journey in finding peace with God, leading to peace within oneself.
ReplyDeleteI can definitely see what this blogger is trying to say. It may sound far-fetched, but this is what I really like about studying different texts, is looking at different theories and trying to figure out what lies beneath the surface.
Here is the blog I mentioned. It is an interesting read, even if you don't agree with it. http://beneaththetangles.wordpress.com/2012/02/22/spirit-fruit-peace-edit-title-later/
Others write that Japan's indigenous religion Shinto is present in the film, with regards to the "conflict between man and nature" as well as the deities (kani) that appear in the film. (Slater, 2009, para. 1).
I think there is so much one could write about religion in Princess Mononoke that someone could write a thesis about it! :P