"The problem is we have been turned into strangers, aliens in our own country by materialism, pragmatism, and many other isms. We’ve unlearned the art of storytelling and thus become uncomfortable in our skin.
Because of this, we no longer know how to read or discern stories. And it’s hard work. Many Christians, therefore, try to find an easy recipe by which to quickly label or divide good stories from bad without having to do the work of figuring it out."
You stated this so well. I've been convicted lately that most people, especially me, don't know how to read. We open and book and either 1) "analyze" or reduce it into a simplistic allegory, or 2) grade it based on its attitudes towards modern controversial topics (such as gender roles).
I am excited to read more of your insights on stories, reading, and biblical discernment! Your class for adults also sounds intriguing. I would love to hear your thoughts on a few middle-grade/YA science fiction and fantasy titles:
- Madeleine L'Engle's "A Wrinkle in Time" and maybe "A Wind in the Door"
Good to hear from you, thank you! And thanks for the thoughtful feedback! I love how you put it, the way so many of us tend to read books. I often do the same. Lewis' book "An Experiment in Criticism" is fantastic for addressing all the ways we tend to read literature and addresses those very concerns. I highly recommend it it if you haven't read it before. I will work from it A LOT in my articles and use it in my class as well.
Your book ideas are great, thanks for passing them on! I love Wrinke, (although strangely I never read the sequel), and I was actually planning on reading it again sometime soon so I'll try to add that in. I've read the Percy Jackson series but it's been a long time so it might be good to at least read the first one again. And the other two are new to me. Love new book recommendations!
I tried to read "An Experiment in Criticism" a while ago and was a little stung by Lewis's remarks on "those people who read books to improve themselves" - ouch. (But I do *enjoy* books too!) I should try again, though, he is such a good teacher.
Yes, I enjoyed those two other books! Though both require some theological reflection and discernment. :)
I think we all feel that way when we read Lewis! It more helps me have a framework by which to think about stories and something to shoot for at least! :)
"The problem is we have been turned into strangers, aliens in our own country by materialism, pragmatism, and many other isms. We’ve unlearned the art of storytelling and thus become uncomfortable in our skin.
Because of this, we no longer know how to read or discern stories. And it’s hard work. Many Christians, therefore, try to find an easy recipe by which to quickly label or divide good stories from bad without having to do the work of figuring it out."
You stated this so well. I've been convicted lately that most people, especially me, don't know how to read. We open and book and either 1) "analyze" or reduce it into a simplistic allegory, or 2) grade it based on its attitudes towards modern controversial topics (such as gender roles).
I am excited to read more of your insights on stories, reading, and biblical discernment! Your class for adults also sounds intriguing. I would love to hear your thoughts on a few middle-grade/YA science fiction and fantasy titles:
- Madeleine L'Engle's "A Wrinkle in Time" and maybe "A Wind in the Door"
- K.E. Ormsbee's "The House in Poplar Wood"
- Rick Riordan's "Percy Jackson" series
- Emily Whitman's "The Turning"
Hi Alicia!
Good to hear from you, thank you! And thanks for the thoughtful feedback! I love how you put it, the way so many of us tend to read books. I often do the same. Lewis' book "An Experiment in Criticism" is fantastic for addressing all the ways we tend to read literature and addresses those very concerns. I highly recommend it it if you haven't read it before. I will work from it A LOT in my articles and use it in my class as well.
Your book ideas are great, thanks for passing them on! I love Wrinke, (although strangely I never read the sequel), and I was actually planning on reading it again sometime soon so I'll try to add that in. I've read the Percy Jackson series but it's been a long time so it might be good to at least read the first one again. And the other two are new to me. Love new book recommendations!
I tried to read "An Experiment in Criticism" a while ago and was a little stung by Lewis's remarks on "those people who read books to improve themselves" - ouch. (But I do *enjoy* books too!) I should try again, though, he is such a good teacher.
Yes, I enjoyed those two other books! Though both require some theological reflection and discernment. :)
I think we all feel that way when we read Lewis! It more helps me have a framework by which to think about stories and something to shoot for at least! :)