Ignorant Historian

This is one portion of the Faith ‘n’ Fiction Roundtable discussion of the book Wounded by Claudia Mair Burney, where we discuss the theology of the book.

Ronnica: But my real problem with Wounded is theological.  While I’m sure we don’t all have the same theological beliefs, a sound biblically-based theology is important to me.  For example, putting words like “I had no problem with whatever she used to draw closer to God…” (p. 158, large print edition) in the mouth of a pastor without judgment is theological irresponsible (and sadly, common in “Christian” writing, fiction and non-fiction).  Sure, this is fiction, but fiction still presents a worldview, for better or for worse.

Carrie: Ronnica mentioned theological questions and I will admit this is one of the areas that I struggled with while reading this. I found that I can/will accept questionable subject matter and/or doctrine in secular books, but when I’m reading a book that is advertised to be Christian, I hold it to a higher standard. The quote that Ronnica mentioned bugged me, too.

Ronnica: Carrie, I like how you said that.  I DO hold books labeled Christian to a much higher standard.  I’ve most certainly read books that I’ve theologically disagreed with more, but they arealmost always not labeled Christian.  I also felt uncomfortable with the idea of Jesus as lover and the idea of stigmata in general.  While I don’t doubt God’s ability to perform miracles, I don’t see the “why” of stigmata in this case specifically, as we always see miracles in the Bible either validating God’s Word or His messengers.

Hannah:  I can certainly agree that fiction written by Christians — let alone published by Christian publishing houses — should be held to a higher theological standard than books not written by and published by Christians.

Going back to what Ronnica mentioned about the book’s theology, which centered around Pastor Mike saying, “I had no problem with whatever she used to draw closer to God…” Sure, it’s troubling for a pastor to spout problematic theology. However, pastors are still human, fallen, imperfect, sinful. And in this case in particular, Pastor Mike isn’t presented as seeing this situation perfectly — or clearly, even. So while that idea/quote certainly is not good theology, I wouldn’t say the book presents his position as infallible or inaccurate. I don’t think the book’s worldview is embodied in Pastor Mike.

Amy: Now here’s where I’m going to get in trouble with you all!  I’m not sure I agree with the concept of a Christian book being held to a higher standard theologically.  It is easy for me to say yes, I agree with this, but the word Christian covers so many people with such vast and different beliefs.  I actually think that I’d love to see more theological diversity in Christian fiction because I think it would more accurately reflect the body of Christ, would challenge us to think about what we believe through the medium of fiction, and would probably invite more people to consider reading Christian fiction.  Furthermore, I’m not sure I agree with the statement the Bible is sufficient, I think Jesus is sufficient, and I think the Bible is some of the revelation we have left.  I regard it with tremendous respect and hope to always learn from it, don’t get me wrong!

I agree with Hannah that just because a character voices one viewpoint that doesn’t mean it’s the viewpoint of the author, though I sometimes struggle with this distinction myself.  I think maybe the reason we feel uncomfortable with Mike saying these things is because he’s the pastor and we expect our pastors to be the ultimate authority.

Hannah: I actually struggled with writing that, because I really struggle with major theological problems in any books I read. On the other hand, I know intellectually that we mustn’t hold people accountable for what they don’t know. Theological diversity, though (within certain parameters), is acceptable within what I’m talking about.

Ronnica: Going back to theological issues, I do think that there is certainly room for a wider theological perspective than say mine or my church’s.  However, I do believe that while there are many issues that there can be diversified opinions on within the Christian community (end times, continuation of miracles, etc.) there are some viewpoints that are necessary to be considered “Christian” (the deity of Christ, the sinfulness of man, etc.).

While I don’t necessarily think that Burney crossed the line on these issues, I do think the “whatever works for you” attitude presented in theological dangerous and spiritually unhealthy.  In the Old Testament, we see very strict penalties (death) for worshiping God in ways He did not prescribe.  While we have greater freedom and grace through Jesus Christ, God is and always will be a God that demands worship on His own terms, not ours.

Carrie: Amy, I liked the points you made about diverse theology in Christian fiction – but I guess we would disagree on the sufficiency of the Bible. I believe the Bible is complete and infallible, and all Christian belief and experience should be weighed against that authority. When I see what I consider extra-Biblical doctrine in a Christian novel, I can’t help but worry about readers being convinced of things about God that aren’t what the Bible teaches. (I hope that doesn’t offend – I hope you know I love you, Amy, and you’re my sister in Christ – even if we disagree on this point.)

I also get what Hannah was saying about the Pastor’s viewpoint just being one character’s – and a flawed, human character. I guess my high expectations for clergy were coming out in my expectations for the character! And I probably need to look at that – I can’t expect my pastor to be perfect, can I? He’s not God.

Other parts of the discussion can be found at the other participant’s blogs.

Besides those included above, other discussion participants include:

Deborah
Sheila
Julie
Thomas
Debbie
Heather

For the past two years, I’ve been enjoyed being a part of the Book Nook Club.  I loved the chance to share my opinions on books and discover new ones as well.  But as my blogging time has been limited, I realized I was spreading myself too thin by posting on two blogs.

So, from now on, I’ll be posting my book reviews here.  I probably won’t write as many as I’ve written previously, but I will share when I have a strong opinion about a book.  If ever you see that I’m reading a a book or have read a book that you’re curious about, let me know…I’d be more than happy to share my thoughts!

So, what are YOU reading?

One of my favorite things about reading books and watching movies is analyzing the worldview presented (yes, I’m one of those people).  Most are easily placed in their time period based on this alone (though I always cheat and look at the publication date because it helps to interpret what the author/director is saying).

And increasingly I’ve noticed books and movies point to the fact that our culture idolizes happiness.  Elizabeth Gilbert admits as much in Committed that she forsook her first wedding vows simply because she was unhappy.  And most people would not fault her for it.

But God would.  I don’t mean to bash Elizabeth Gilbert; God is the judge and she has obviously not the only one at fault for our happiness idol.  In fact, I’m more than willing to admit that I fall on the “guilty” side in this matter: way too often my decisions (both immediate and long-term: what to do next, what to eat, where to live, etc.) are ruled by what I want simply because it’s what I want.

Don’t get me wrong.  I’m not saying we should don hairshirts or polar bear swim in the Atlantic.  The answer is not to avoid happiness and pleasure as has been a historical Christian misinterpretation.  Rather, the answer is to put happiness in it’s place.

Happiness is good and a blessing.  But it’s not more important than loving God and loving others.

Thanks for reading this…I know that I needed this reminder once again.

Photo by CarbonNYC

Oh my, this weekend was exactly what I needed after a crazy 3 months of travel, emotional highs and lows, sickness, and more work than I felt like I could handle at the time.

Start of the weekend: Friday was a good-busy day at work with an encouraging visit from a big boss and full of “snow day” excitement. That really doesn’t go away when you grow up, does it? Oh yeah, and did I mention, I got a raise? After work the day got better as I got to go HOME. As much as I love the people in my small group, I was craving time away from people.

Saturday we woke up to a blanket of snow, and the cold stuff still falling (actually, a lot of sleet later in the day). I do love snow…as long as it stays outside and I stay in. Still haven’t touched the stuff (though I’m going to have to make a run out to my car to get another can of Diet Dr Pepper this morning). Spent the day doing a little laundry and a lot of reading. Started The Help…so good!

Sunday church was cancelled and the city was just starting to wake up from the snow.  Five inches of snow may seem like nothing to others, but that’s a lot here in the South when we don’t have the capabilities to do much with it.  Another day of reading The Help, with a short break to watch Hairspray with the roommate.

And then today, the party continues.  Of course, I can’t quite neglect work like I have the last two days, but I really just need to make a few calls to cancel our appointments and handle any new emails/voice mails that come in.  All which can be handled here without leaving my comfy reading chair.

I will be going back to work tomorrow, possibly.  Though honestly, I wouldn’t be surprised if they cancel school again (I don’t work in a school, but that’s how we determine if we’re open or closed for taxes).  Even if I have to go in to work, it’ll be at noon at our yet non-busy site.  Not bad!  When this is all over, I’ll be ready to be around people again.

This is by no means a new topic here on the Ignorant Historian. [Time out. Should there be quotes around a blog title? Italics? Seems like it should be treated like a book or a play, and the post titles be treated like smaller works like articles.  If anyone knows of anything about this, I'd love to hear it.  Actually, this goes nicely with the theme of this post!]

I obviously love to learn, which is why I read so much.  Even still, there are times when I enjoy learning more than others.  And this is one of them.

Of the five books I’m reading now (I read across 5 categories: current (since 1950) fiction, classic fiction, biography, spiritual growth, and other nonfiction), all 5 are hard to put down.  I’m enjoying them, and learning, and pondering about many different things, posts to come.  The thought of continuing my formal studies is appealing, until I realize that higher degrees get more specific, not more broad.  There’s not one thing that I want to learn everything about, but there are plenty of things I want to learn a little about.  I want to be well-rounded, not an expert (except maybe in learning).

If I had to choose ONE area to study, I’m not sure what I’d choose.  Nineteenth-century literature, perhaps?  What about you?

Photo by victoriapeckham

I love January.  Everything’s so fresh and new.  Christmas decorations, though beautiful, are rather cluttery.  I always make an effort to clean through my things in January, too, after being abundantly blessed at Christmas and my birthday.   Though I haven’t completely tackled my desk and its stack of papers (which I saved for last), I feel much more comfortable in my apartment now that almost everything is in it’s place.

January also comes with a fresh start.  Sure, it’s rather arbitrary what time of year we decide is the start of a new year, but I like having it in the dead of winter, the season I naturally have the least motivation.   I think if we celebrated New Year’s some other time, I’d likely fall into a funk after Christmas.  I look forward to having longer days (actually seeing more than the 20 minutes of sunlight I drive in to work) and more natural energy that comes with it.

I suppose I should talk about my lofty goals for this year, if this was a proper New Year’s post.  But of course it’s not, being 4 days late, and I don’t have major goals for this year.  While I have a hunger to learn and grow, I don’t necessarily have resolutions tied to those ambitions.   Really, the only thing I have laid out as plans for this year is my book goals, of which I have a few.  The only other two resolutions/goals I could come up with is to exercise three times a week (which was my goal anyway) and to wear a skirt/dress once a week (since I’ve gotten rather lazy, and really do love to wear a skirt).

More than anything, I want this to be a year where I grow closer to God and more obedient to His word.  For me, one of the hardest things about living for Christ is the living for others.  As my book goals can attest, I’m a bit of a loner. Like every other fallen human being, I tend to live for myself, seeking my own desires and pleasures.  May God show me the needs of the people around me…and may I open my eyes to them and make it a priority to meet those needs.

Photo by Ryan McD

Last week I talked about what I thought made for a good novel.  During that discussion, I was asked what were my favorite reads this month.  It’s a logical follow-up, isn’t it?

These are the favorite books I’ve read this year (so far I’ve read 94, so there were a lot to choose from!).  For fairness, I only included books that I read for the first time this year.

10. Woman in White by Wilkie Collins

This is the only classic to make it on the list (though there is one other that might be considered a classic).  This was my first Collins book, and I really wasn’t sure what to expect.  Compared to a lot of books written in that time (published in 1860), it’s really easy to read with modern eyes.  It’s part mystery, part romance.  An all-around good read.

9. Gathering Blue by Lois Lowry

This is the first of 2 children’s books on my list.  Unlike the other title, I don’t really feel like this is a children’s book.  Of course, it’s companion novel, The Giver, is also considered not-suitable for children so that shouldn’t come as a surprise.  I guess what I’m trying to say is that this book is so much more than a children’s story…and I don’t think children will get the deeper themes without being guided.  If you liked The Giver you would like this one, too, though it isn’t a sequel.  Also reminds me of The Hunger Games.

8. Radical Womanhood by Carolyn McCulley

This is the only non-fiction book on my list.  By far the best non-fiction book I read this year, and probably the best title for Christian women that I’ve ever read.  Easy to read and brings up some great topics.  I was incredibly impressed by this book…you should pick it up!

7. Life of Pi by Yann Martel

Okay, okay, I know this title is so last year.  Or the year before (or the year before that?).  I had put off reading it because I thought it sounded stupid.  A book about a boy stuck on a boat with a tiger?  Sure that’s a brief synopsis, but it’s SO much more than that.  Just trust me.

6. The Adoration of Jenna Fox by Mary Pearson

One of 4 Young Adult books on my list.  It’s a story about a 17yo who wakes up from being in a coma for a year with many questions and no one who will answer them.  It’s here because I loved discovering with Jenna the truth of her past and her current situation.  Don’t want to say more and give it away, but it’s highly recommended.

5. In the Name of God by Paula Jolin

Though this is a YA book, I read it at the recommendation of a friend before I was on my YA kick.  It’s the story of a typical teenager in Syria…who plans on being a suicide bomber.  Well researched and presented, revealing that teenagers are teenagers no matter what their situation and have similar struggles.

4. Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand

So, I guess this is sorta a classic, though it’s still rather young.  Sure, I don’t agree with a lot of Rand’s philosophies (any system based on greed will fail), I love how she presents them here.  She really was a gifted writer.  Though this is a long book, I enjoyed every page (except the 75 page monologue near the end…that got a bit much).  Not for the faint of heart, but if you’re a big reader, I think this is a worthy book to tackle.  If it wasn’t so long, I’d want to re-read it.  In fact, I might just do that, anyway.

3. The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart

This book should be under the tree for every uninitiated middle-grade child…it’s just that good.  Full of adventure and brain puzzles, it’s the story of 4 gifted children (gifted in different ways) who must work together to save the world.  I love how it’s an adventure book, but teaches children that there are adults they can learn from and that they can accomplish more working together.  Really, it’s a treat for all ages, too.

2. Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

Okay, this is no surprise.  I’ve gushed about it before.  The short of it is that Katniss (hate the main character’s name, though) is among 24 teenagers put in an arena and forced to fight to the death.  Won’t say more, but I can tell you I was surprised many times.  Plus, I think it has some pretty interesting, thought-provoking themes in it.  Read it!

1. Special Topics in Calamity Physics by Marisha Pessl

This is the book that I read when I was made fun of for reading for the first time.  I suppose it’s the title…it DOES sound like a scientific book, but really.  Calamity physics?  Does that really sound like something real?

When I first reviewed this, I only gave it 4 stars because I just wasn’t sure about it.  I’ve thought about it now for another 6 months, and I do believe it’s earned this spot as the top book this year.  I mean, how many books can make me think about it for MONTHS?  I related to Blue, the main character, and what she was struggling with as she dealt with the death of a beloved teacher and so much more.  The style can be a bit wearing for 500+ pages (written in the over-wrought style of a well-read high schooler) which is why I only gave it 4 stars, but the story itself is well-worth it.  I’ll be re-reading this very soon!

So that’s it for 2009, but I’m looking forward to the good books that lie ahead!

Since I’ve been doing a little reading lately (like my use of understatement there?), I’ve been thinking about what makes a book good.

A good book, to me, has some/all of these characteristics:

1.  Great vocabulary. I’m a strong believer in the idea that there is only ONE word that is just right.  Sure, the English language has synonyms, but they have various shades of meaning.  An author who labors to get it right is much appreciated.

2.  Well-crafted sentences. Writing is hard–the little I’ve done has confirmed this–but when it’s done well, it shouldn’t be noticed.  It should seem like the book was birthed whole.

3.  Makes me think. Neither confirms my current thinking nor tells me everything I’ve ever thought was stupid.  Challenges me and brings to light ideas I’ve never thought to question.

4.  Continues to make me think long after I’ve closed the cover for the last time. Most books I’ve almost completely forgotten within a month…I know it’s good if I haven’t.

5.  A well-developed protagonist, one that’s true-to-life.  That means they should have more than one flaw (*ahem* Stephenie Meyer), and can be inconsistent.  Hey, we all are!  It’d also be great if other characters were well-developed, but this one is essential.

6.  Just something special. There should be something about the book that sets it out from the other hundred I’ve read this year.  Not an easy task!

7.  Not too much description. I’m growing in this area, but I still struggle when there are pages of description.  I don’t realize how much I skim these descriptions until I’m listening to a book on tape and space out for minutes at a time (Gone with the Wind, I’m talking about you).

8.  Symbolism. I’m sure there is so much I’m missing in the books I read, but I want to see it.  Not overly obvious (that’s worse!), but it should be there if I have my eyes open.

What makes a good book for you?

Photo by Zitona

Read. Read. Read-a-thon All Day Long!

Anyone who knows me in real life could probably guess what I’m doing this weekend.

And anyone who only knows me through this blog would have a mighty good chance of guessing it as well.

I’ll be reading.

Reading in the Read.Read Read-a-thon.

Here’s what I’ll be reading (no, not all of it!):

Click on the picture for the titles.  And no, don’t pay attention to the fact that there is a whole OTHER stack of library books behind those for this weekend.

I hope you all have wonderful weekends, too!