Faith ‘n’ Fiction Roundtable: Discussion of Wounded
Posted in Academic Pursuits on 02/27/2010 12:12 am by Ronnica
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:
