Would you read a book that wasn't religious?

[Wyatt1992]

Books like Harry Potter and The Chronicles of Narnia have caused a lot of controversy because of their content.

When JK Rowling outed Professor Dumbledore, who had not shown any signs of homosexuality she caused outrage among fans and Christians, do you think this should have been a reason for parents to not allow their children to read the books or watch the films?

How many of you would read a book which supposedly contain anti-christian messages to see if it was true or would you decide based on what others say?

Also would you read a book with homosexual main characters or books that contain fantasy elements?

One last question is would you read a book set in the real world with a made up religion?

 

[luv4lionheads]

Personally, i love fantasy books, including Harry Potter. I know I'm going to sound insane when i say this, but the Harry Potter series, actually strengthened my faith in God.
As far as the Chronicles of Narnia go, debate over their appropriateness for Christians to read is outrageous. C.S. Leris, the author of the series, was a well know theologian. He has written several books on the Christian faith such as Mere Christianity and The Screwtape Letters. The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe is a retelling of the Easter story. The first book, The Magician's Nephew is about creation, and the last book, The Last Battle, is about Judgment Day. The filmmakers of the last "lion the witch and the Wardrobe movie, Disney, has refused to make the last book into a movie because it was too, religious.

 

[Guy Incognito]

Would you read a book that wasn't religious?

I have, it was Jurassic Park, and it was awesome.

 

[Inkachu]

When JK Rowling outed Professor Dumbledore, who had not shown any signs of homosexuality she caused outrage among fans and Christians, do you think this should have been a reason for parents to not allow their children to read the books or watch the films? Not necessarily. It would depend on the child's age, maturity, and ability to separate fiction from reality.

How many of you would read a book which supposedly contain anti-christian messages to see if it was true or would you decide based on what others say? I wouldn't read any book just to see if it contained "anti-Christian messages". I read books that seem like they'd interest me and be enjoyable.

Also would you read a book with homosexual main characters or books that contain fantasy elements? Homosexual main characters - unless the story involved explicit romantic or sexual scenes, I wouldn't have a problem reading it. Fantasy - I'm a fantasy author myself, I love fantasy books.

One last question is would you read a book set in the real world with a made up religion? Sure, why not? They're STORIES. If a person can't enjoy a fictional story without letting it seep into their real-life beliefs, thoughts, and actions, then they need to avoid all forms of fiction, including music and movies, because they're too easily influenced.

 

[Kokopelli]

Books like Harry Potter and The Chronicles of Narnia have caused a lot of controversy because of their content.

So did Catcher in the Rye, yet it's one of my favorite and most memorable books.

When JK Rowling outed Professor Dumbledore, who had not shown any signs of homosexuality she caused outrage among fans and Christians, do you think this should have been a reason for parents to not allow their children to read the books or watch the films?

If I tell a story to my daughter, it refrains from that topic, simply because she's only 7. If I am working on something for adults, you may very well see a homosexual character, simply because it is modeling life. As for the outrage, that will happen regardless. "Fans" were outraged when the reimaged Battlestar featured Starbuck as a woman. I for one enjoyed it. She was more realistic with human faults than the pretty boy character from the original series.

How many of you would read a book which supposedly contain anti-christian messages to see if it was true or would you decide based on what others say?

I read for enjoyment, and only that.

Also would you read a book with homosexual main characters or books that contain fantasy elements?

While I don't want graphic depictions, I wouldn't see why not, provided the story is well done. My various projects take inspiration from several sources, and I have drawn up basic characters who are homosexual. Anne Rice's pre-Christian novels contained a lot of homo erotic material. But that is not what turned me off from them. Quite frankly, I have never read anything more boring than her novels.

One last question is would you read a book set in the real world with a made up religion?

If the story is well written, definitely. I'm halfway through the second book of "The Destroyermen" series by Taylor Anderson, and am already trying to find the third book.

 

[lilyamongthorns98]

hmm, I never made it that far in Harry Potter, or either missed the messages. I'm good at not noticing things like that, just ask my friends.
I read books that interest me. I try to stay away from books with explicit love scenes, because that's something that's hard to get out of my mind, but as far as fantasy and other things like Harry Potter and Twilight, I don't see anything wrong with it.
No I would not want my young children reading it. I would want to make sure they are grounded in Christ first and old enough to understand the difference, and to take it only as entertainment, not anything to devalue the importance of God.

As far as Chronicles of Narnia. It's not fantasy. Lewis never considered it as such. He called it an allegory. And Chronicles of Narnia is one of the only ways Christian teachers in public schools could even hope of getting a student led conversation about Jesus started in the English classroom.

 

[shirono]

and the last book, The Last Battle, is about Judgment Day. The filmmakers of the last "lion the witch and the Wardrobe movie, Disney, has refused to make the last book into a movie because it was too, religious.

Yup, thanks for pointing out that C.S. Lewis was a Christian (I still like the books, regardless. They are a very subtle allegory mostly) Lewis and Tolkien were well-known to be friends as well. The stories say they would go drinking together and loudly debate religion.

I have to say that The Last Battle wouldn't lend itself to a movie for children very well. Not much action, very heavy handed allegory. Not at all Lewis's usual subtle style of story telling. In fact, if I didn't know that it was written well before he started going senile in his old age, I would suspect it was written by an entirely different person. The story telling is so different and, in fact, poorly done that I hardly take the book as Narnia canon. The book was written during some trying times for Lewis, so I blame that for the failure of style in the book.

As for the OP.

I don't think that religion should block a person from enjoying good literature. The Catcher in the Rye, To Kill A Mockingbird, and dozens of other secular pieces of writing are classics that should never be ignored because they aren't "Christian".

 

[Born_Again_in_Jesus]

Books like Harry Potter and The Chronicles of Narnia have caused a lot of controversy because of their content.

When JK Rowling outed Professor Dumbledore, who had not shown any signs of homosexuality she caused outrage among fans and Christians, do you think this should have been a reason for parents to not allow their children to read the books or watch the films?

How many of you would read a book which supposedly contain anti-christian messages to see if it was true or would you decide based on what others say?

Also would you read a book with homosexual main characters or books that contain fantasy elements?

Be wary of non Christian books, for such are the seeds of evil sown among our children. We do not want our children to be ruined by challenges to their ability to believe in Jesus unquestioningly and unerringly. Jesus is the answer, no matter what the question. Our children are being attacked by schools, courts, news, television, and other sources used by the devil himself. We need to home school so that they will learn the right and not be diluted by thoughts not under our control.

As a "half-brained" fool myself (see my photo from my motorcycle accident) I am accused on many fronts of not being able to think, however since I saw Jesus, I am clearer of mind than I have ever been before. God saved me for a purpose. I am to be a fisher of men and salvor of the young who go astray.

Pray for my ministry and bless me when you can with your prayer gifts. I am in Alaska, and see the evil effects of Harry Potter, and The Witch and the Wardrobe on a daily basis. Fight this evil with all your heart. Pray daily and trust in God. Amen

BAIJ
One last question is would you read a book set in the real world with a made up religion?[/quote]

 

[Wirraway]

..
One last question is would you read a book set in the real world with a made up religion?

the religions in Dune are more coherent than a lot of real ones.

 

[Big Mouth]

Books like Harry Potter and The Chronicles of Narnia have caused a lot of controversy because of their content.

When JK Rowling outed Professor Dumbledore, who had not shown any signs of homosexuality she caused outrage among fans and Christians, do you think this should have been a reason for parents to not allow their children to read the books or watch the films?

How many of you would read a book which supposedly contain anti-christian messages to see if it was true or would you decide based on what others say?

Also would you read a book with homosexual main characters or books that contain fantasy elements?

Dumbledore didn't show any signs of homosexuality? He was single, flamboyant, and didn't have a girlfriend or wife in sight. He was the sterotype of homosexual.

I don't think disallowing kids to read the books or watch the movies will do any good and could do harm if it leads to a sense of deprivation. There are gay people in the world, and they will have to be able to handle it when they get out there. It would be much better to expose them to it as part of life (which it is) and teach them to respect all people, even if they don't agree with their lifestyle.

I would absolutly read a book that is anti-christian. The issue with taking another person's POV of anti-christianity is that it may not be the same as yours. I recently read a devotional book by a rabbi and while I didn't agree with all his points, I did get a lot out of it. Someone may have good ideas for the educational system but be anti-prayer in public schools, and so I would read it for the ideas.

And would I read a book with homosexual characters? Yes, in fact I have already.

Personally, i love fantasy books, including Harry Potter. I know I'm going to sound insane when i say this, but the Harry Potter series, actually strengthened my faith in God.

Not insane at all, it strengthened my faith as well.

I read books that interest me. I try to stay away from books with explicit love scenes, because that's something that's hard to get out of my mind, but as far as fantasy and other things like Harry Potter and Twilight, I don't see anything wrong with it.

I dislike Twilight because Bella is just a bit too co-dependant for my liking. But I don't oppose it, it's just not my cup of tea.

Be wary of non Christian books, for such are the seeds of evil sown among our children. We do not want our children to be ruined by challenges to their ability to believe in Jesus unquestioningly and unerringly. Jesus is the answer, no matter what the question. Our children are being attacked by schools, courts, news, television, and other sources used by the devil himself. We need to home school so that they will learn the right and not be diluted by thoughts not under our control.

One last question is would you read a book set in the real world with a made up religion?

I don't think non-Christian books are something to be scared of. Even if they contain values you don't believe in, it can be a good way to start a conversation about the belief or behavior. Books are a good way to see the world outside of our own circumstances, while remaining in the safety of our own lives.

I would absolutly make up a fictional religion, I don't see the harm in it. It could be a good way to talk about real life religions without people automatically rejecting it because it isn't their religion, therefore it is easier to get a dialouge started. But I would be upset if people then starting making an actual religion out of it.

 

[Ninva]

It's never good to indulge yourself with one opinion. You should be aware of what the outside world is saying about Christianity and the world in general.

 

[xxsilverkisses]

Books like Harry Potter and The Chronicles of Narnia have caused a lot of controversy because of their content.

When JK Rowling outed Professor Dumbledore, who had not shown any signs of homosexuality she caused outrage among fans and Christians, do you think this should have been a reason for parents to not allow their children to read the books or watch the films?

No, it's not a reason. Just because a character like Dumbledore is gay shouldn't change the fans thoughts. Besides, I believe she did that for either:
-Publicity (which I hope not)
or
-To cause more controversy.
Rowling herself, and Lewis are Christians themselves, the last I heard. Narnia=Eden before the fall of man, from what I know.

How many of you would read a book which supposedly contain anti-christian messages to see if it was true or would you decide based on what others say?

"Anti-Christian"? Meaning as if something has magic in it? I judge for myself, if something tugs at my heart, saying there's something wrong with this book I'll put it down and never touch it again.

Also would you read a book with homosexual main characters or books that contain fantasy elements?

I write books where the main character is homosexual, so, yes, of course, I'll read it to. In fact, my most favorite book where the main character IS gay and it's based off a true story, Prayers for Bobby has made it as my top favorite. It shows how far a "religious" "Christian" families hatred for their sons "homosexual choice" (NOT A CHOICE) can go, leading up to their gay sons suicide.

And yes, I would. Not everything has to be about God, to me anyways.

One last question is would you read a book set in the real world with a made up religion?

I would. I probably have.

 

[Margil]

Yes, I read books that aren't religious. I read plently of books that aren't religious.

But you know, morals are in every book. And you can always find plenty of things in them to relate to God in some way.

 

[mylife4his]

Books like Harry Potter and The Chronicles of Narnia have caused a lot of controversy because of their content.

When JK Rowling outed Professor Dumbledore, who had not shown any signs of homosexuality she caused outrage among fans and Christians, do you think this should have been a reason for parents to not allow their children to read the books or watch the films?

How many of you would read a book which supposedly contain anti-christian messages to see if it was true or would you decide based on what others say?

Also would you read a book with homosexual main characters or books that contain fantasy elements?

One last question is would you read a book set in the real world with a made up religion?

I wouldnt. I mean I have before. It wouldnt be a sin, but it feeds an appetite that's not spirit. It would be better to find christian oriented literature

 

[LaymanPreacher]

As a writer and book collector, I would argue that people would need to find out for themselves. We study to show ourselves approved, and looking at opposing viewpoints along with viewpoints that strengthen our own interpretation is vital to our spiritual and educational growth.

The issue with C.S. Lewis is a little much. The Chronicles of Narnia was a Christian allegory, and promoted biblical doctrine through a children's story. People need to look into things in order to grow.

Going about bashing books is dangerous, because it can lead to things like censorship. If we as Christians want our own views respected and given protection by freedom of speech, then we have to grant that right to everyone around us. We don't beat people down with condemnation; we build them up with the offering of Christ's love.

Anyway, this is my belief. I know that with my young age and constant learning, I may not have as much wisdom as some of you other forum users. But what I have stated above is my absolute conviction, so, please take it with the best of regards.

Peace, my brothers and sisters.

 

[SonOfTheWest]

As someone who believes very strongly AGAINST censorship of books. My answer is easy. Of COURSE I would read non religious books. The vast majority of books I do read are non religious in nature.

 

[laconicstudent]

Books like Harry Potter and The Chronicles of Narnia have caused a lot of controversy because of their content.

When JK Rowling outed Professor Dumbledore, who had not shown any signs of homosexuality she caused outrage among fans and Christians, do you think this should have been a reason for parents to not allow their children to read the books or watch the films?

How many of you would read a book which supposedly contain anti-christian messages to see if it was true or would you decide based on what others say?

Also would you read a book with homosexual main characters or books that contain fantasy elements?

One last question is would you read a book set in the real world with a made up religion?

Certainly, I recommend The Chosen, book one of The Stone Dance of the Chameleon. Book about the homosexual scion of a noble house in a theocratic empire, in which noble rank is determined by consanguinity with the God-Emperor.

Amazon.com: The Chosen (The Stone Dance of the Chameleon, Book 1) (9780812584356): Ricardo Pinto: Books

 

[Billnew]

I have never read a religous novel of any religion.

IMO we live in the world, novels that express real world problems are the only thing that makes sense to me.
I have no problem with the main charater being religious, just that my view of these books are like the Christian movies.
Low budget, weak dialog, goody two shoes charaters, religious characters straying from god and finding their way back.
When the real motivating stories is the non-believer or athiest finding god. To do that, the story must be in the real world, with all its sins, exposing humans with human failings.

So the answer to the OP,
I have yet to read a christian novel, I read all non-christian books.

 

[HazelAngel]

I have never read any kind of religious novel. Instead I prefer books like 'Power of One' by Bryce Courtenay, 'The Sea-Wrecked Stranger' by Anna McKenzie and 'Clan of the Cave Bear' by Jean M Auel, although Iv read Harry Potter but Iv only seen some of the films and Ian McKellen being gay doesnt bother me at all. If it was real world story with a made up religion ... it depends on the type of book for me.

To these 2 questions ...

How many of you would read a book which supposedly contain anti-christian messages to see if it was true or would you decide based on what others say?

Also would you read a book with homosexual main characters or books that contain fantasy elements?

I say I would read the book depending on the type of story but I would read it to see if it was true not based on others oppions. To be honest I dont care wether the characters are gay or straight. They r just characters of a book. A book containing fantasy elements would kinda be in my type of alley. You see I like books with a whole lot of fantasy or true stories It depends which ones I would like to read Thats my full answer to these questions that u have asked

HazelAngel

 

[billymissouri]

I read all types of books from different genres.