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    Wednesday, August 02, 2006

    The Value of Fiction

    Recently (now that I've had a baby, "recently" means within the last year or so; "sometime soon" is probly within the next two) I tried to have a conversation with a couple Christians about books. One of them said "I don't have TIME to read fiction." Now, she probably really doesn't, as she has a large family to care for, but I sensed in her voice a large amount of derision for any printed word that isn't explicitly written to inform.

    But can't fiction inform? What does fiction do? Does it merely entertain? And why are we entertained by it? I heard on the radio a talk show host quoting someone, who approximately said "Fiction is not true in only the least significant of ways," meaning that besides it not factually taking place, the story resounds with truth about life, the author, the reader, whatever. This is not to be relativistic and say that the story means whatever you want it to so it’s “true”. Stories are a part of life; the idea of “story” is ingrained in us. We were created in a story, and when we write stories, truths of life come out in them.

    God works in his people with stories, both factual (eg, the Old Testament) and fictional (eg, the parables of Christ). And the greatest story is of course Christ’s redeeming work. I’ve started to pick up on elements of that story in others. It’s not just in “The Lord of the Rings” or C. S. Lewis’s allegories; many authors unwittingly point somewhat to Christ (however feebly). And no wonder; as Piper points out, (something like) “In heros we see a glimpse of Christ.” Why shouldn’t humanity’s deepest thoughts be informed by the desire for a redeeming hero, since we are in the image of God? And that is one true thing that comes out in many writers and many readers.

    Also, stories can teach me about me. How my mind reacts to the plot threads and characters can illuminate my desires, weaknesses and passions. So, whether it’s books, movies, or other kinds of art, not only having time by making time can be valuable.

    “Sometime soon” I plan to discuss a book or two.

    1 Comments:

    At 8/14/2006 5:54 PM, Blogger josh s blake said...

    I'm glad I'm not alone. Thank you.

     

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