1. Matthias M. Hoefler says:

    I don’t understand what she means when she says

     What about the theological quandary—if the Messiah died only once for all our sins forever, which included every sin in the entire universe, how could I possibly portray another world compiling its own Bible to honor our Creator? Didn’t Israel stone scribes for such offenses in ancient times?

    She means, “Won’t my fellow Christians in modern times stone me?”

    But where is she going when she’s saying there is a “theological quandary”? My first thought is, “Why wouldn’t the Bible be different on a different world?” It’s the expression of Christ “pitching His tent” among us. If He pitched his tent among those in alternate earth, wouldn’t it look different? On the other hand, certainly the Bible didn’t change as we passed through different eras in our history. In a sense, the Bible wasn’t rewritten every time a new group of people came along. Though different emphases came to the fore and revelation of what was there all along brought into being new understandings (for example, Luther and the excesses of his day, etc.) Is that what she means? That because we consider the Bible as a closed cannon, there is no room for more revelation?

    I thought I might have my answer if I wrote this down, but I don’t think I do yet.

    Help!
     

    • I don’t think it has anything to do with new revelation.  I believe she’s just talking about the quandary of whether it’s appropriate to use the words of God in a fictional setting, “putting words in His mouth” in regards to imaginary situations and people.

    • R. J. Larson says:

      Hi, Matthias!

      I’m a big fan of fantasy, but I’ve heard Christians speak against portraying the scriptures in other realms because other planets aren’t “descended from Adam”, nor are they sons of Abraham, therefore the Lord’s sacrifice on the cross is reserved only for Earth. Therefore, the argument goes, how could fiction set on another planet properly and accurately portray the Lord’s death?

      In other words, realistically, the Lord’s sacrifice cannot be accurately described and depicted in fantasy realms, because He died only once, on Earth.

      It’s an interesting topic!

      However, because–as HG noted, “Truth is truth.”

      And Truth is universal, so I prayed and followed the story, striving to honor the scriptures and the Lord with each word.

       

      Blessings!

       

      R. J.

       

  2. I’m reading your first book right now, and I completely agree that “Because our Creator is unchanging, and His Word is eternal and alive, the Scriptures translate beautifully into other realms.”

    It works so well in your story.  “Prophet” is the best example I’ve ever seen of using Scripture within fantasy fiction.  It works, and it’s beautiful, and I have been inspired and drawn closer to God as I read it.  I love it when a fantasy helps me see God through new eyes.  Thank you for writing this book!  🙂

    I’m still in the middle of it, but I’m excited to see where it goes and to read “Judge” and “King”!

    • R. J. Larson says:

      Bethany, thanks!

      I’m so glad you enjoyed the stories! I’ve loved writing this series, and it’s been fascinating to see the Scriptures through new eyes, so to speak. It’s also been a privilege to portray (to a tiny t-i-n-y extent) the Lord’s overwhelming love for us.

       

  3. HG Ferguson says:

    Although this was in a SF context, one of the best moments in the film ENEMY MINE is when Davidge is under the tutelage of Jeriba re the Drac scripture, the words of Shizmaa’aa (sp?) the Great Teacher called the Talman (sp?), and recites what amounts to the Golden Rule using different words but the same notion.  Davidge remarks that he’s read that before, in the “human Talman.”  “Of course you have,” Jeriba responds.  “Truth is truth!”  The “aliens” in the universe of this film had their own revelation of God, their own relationship with God, and their own very Word of God — for them.  In principle this does not violate the Words of the Jesus we know — on the contrary, it’s the same Word, the same Logos or message, because He is the same God.  As long as writing remains true to what God has told us, I do not see the problem.  And if someone’s God isn’t big enough to handle aliens and other realms, then he’s quite small indeed.

    • R. J. Larson says:

      HG, I’m now searching for ENEMY MINE online–I haven’t seen it, and I must, now that I’ve read your comments. Thank you! My guys will enjoy this one.

  4. Julie D says:

    While I’ve only read a few speculative works–Christian or otherwise–with ‘scriptures,’ I think that prayerfully considering what God’s character is and starting from there is much better than tweeking a few Bible verses or dropping them in wholesale. That completely breaks the suspension of belief.

    • R. J. Larson says:

      Thanks, Julie!

      Yes, I agree! I was so intimidated by the process–I still am.

      Yet, again, because the Lord doesn’t change, I was able to draw from His words in the Bible for the Books of the Infinite.

      I believe that the faith aspect of any work of fiction must be organic to the characters and the situation, or realm. Readers must perceive faith as something that the characters live with and grapple with in their day-to-day existence.

      Verse-dropping… *Shudder!*

  5. R. J. Larson says:

    Apologies, everyone! I didn’t realize this post had been published–mixed up the dates and lost track of time due to an insane schedule! Rebecca, thank you for all your hard work–you’re amazing.

  6. Phyllis says:

    Hmmm. I am curious, too, and just searched my Kindle for Enemy Mine. Can be rented or purchased from Amazon. Can also watch a trailer of the movie. Perhaps I will rent it after I finish the current book I’m reading. ☺

What do you think?