Who truly isWho truly is

OR

?

For this question to be answered we must come to closure about. . .

Christianity Within in the Christianity Within in the Imaginative Worlds of authors like Imaginative Worlds of authors like

Bunyon, Milton, C.S. Lewis, Bunyon, Milton, C.S. Lewis, Tolkien and. . . Tolkien and. . .

She whose name and works we do not name.

J.K. RowlingJ.K. RowlingOh, what the heck:

Common Claims About Common Claims About Fantastic Literature that Are Fantastic Literature that Are

Problematic:Problematic:Tolkien’s and Lewis’ stories are overtly

Christian because they are filled with Christian images.

The way to tell good fantasy from bad one is by whether the world-view constructed by the author is clearly Christian or not.

J.K. Rowling’s stories are ontologically very different from those of J.R.R. Tolkien.

Some Quick Definitions Some Quick Definitions Ontology: The science or study of being; that

department of metaphysics which relates to the being or essence of things, or to being in the abstract. (OED)

Ontological: Of or pertaining to, or of the nature of, ontology; metaphysical. ontological argument, proof (for the existence of God): the a priori argument that the existence of the idea of God of necessity involves the objective existence of God. (OED)

OED = Oxford English Dictionary

Thus, the ontological nature of Thus, the ontological nature of a word or concept is not a word or concept is not placed there by the reader but placed there by the reader but is part of its very essence.is part of its very essence.

Keep these Definitionsin your head for later

Here are just a few more. . .

Also, remember the Difference Also, remember the Difference between the between the ConnotativeConnotative and and the the DenotativeDenotative meaning of meaning of WordsWords

a. Having the quality of denoting; designative, indicative. (a meaning assigned) (OED)

b. Logic. Of a word: Having the quality of designating, as distinguished from connotative. (OED)

Denotative:Denotative:

Connotative:Connotative:1. Having the quality of connoting; pertaining to

connotation, or to an additional or implied signification. (OED)

2. Logic. connotative term: a term or word which, while it denotes (or is predicated of) a subject, also connotes or indicates its attributes. In the scholastic and later logic a connotative, as distinguished from an absolute, term was one which primarily signified an attribute and secondarily a subject. (OED)

Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things."

Philippians 4:6-8 (KJV)

Paul’s admonition is a central Paul’s admonition is a central concern for both the artist and concern for both the artist and

scholar involved with literature. scholar involved with literature.

But what are its practical consequences?

Ironically, the text quoting scripture for this presentation was cut and pasted from the web site “Twelve reasons not to see Harry Potter Movies” http://www.crossroad.to/articles2/HP-Movie.htm

Christians and their use of Christians and their use of Imaginative Stories—can we Imaginative Stories—can we lie and tell the truth?lie and tell the truth?ParablesAllegoriesDramatizationsStories which contain [God

created] Truths

Yes, We Can!

ParablesParablesA fictitious narrative or allegory (usually

something that might naturally occur), by which moral or spiritual relations are typically figured or set forth, as the parables of the New Testament. (Now the usual sense.) [OED]

Favorite teaching tool of ChristAlso favored by Buddha

How can we do this?How can we do this? Because Because Fiction is the lie that tells the truth!Fiction is the lie that tells the truth!

And because our Great Example used Fiction And because our Great Example used Fiction himself.himself.

A few of Jesus’ ParablesA few of Jesus’ ParablesThe Parable of The Unforgiving ServantThe Good Samaritan The Friend at Midnight The Parable of the Rich Fool The Faithful Servants The Fig Tree The Seats of Honor The Great Supper The Lost Sheep, Coins and Sons

Some Parables of BuddhaSome Parables of Buddha The Blind Men and the Elephant The Thief and the Master The Monkey King Worse Than a Clown The Brave Little Parrot The Story of the Hoe The Hungry Dog The Old Man and the Scorpion Esarhaddon, King of Assyria Just a Fly in My Tea

The Old Man and the Scorpion

One morning, after he had finished his meditation, the old man opened his eyes and saw a scorpion floating helplessly in the water. As the scorpion was washed closer to the tree, the old man quickly stretched himself out on one of the long roots that branched out into the river and reached out to rescue the drowning creature.

As soon as he touched it, the scorpion stung him. Instinctively the man withdrew his hand. A minute later, after he had regained his balance, he stretched himself out again on the roots to save the scorpion. This time the scorpion stung him so badly with its poisonous tail that his hand became swollen and bloody and his face contorted with pain.

At that moment, a passerby saw the old man stretched out on the roots struggling with the scorpion and shouted:

"Hey, stupid old man, what's wrong with you? Only a fool would risk his life for the sake of an ugly, evil creature. Don't you know you could kill yourself trying to save that ungrateful scorpion?"

The old man turned his head. Looking into the stranger's eyes he said calmly,

"My friend, just because it is the scorpion's nature to sting, that does not change my nature to

save."

AllegoriesAllegories

Description of a subject under the guise of some other subject of aptly suggestive resemblance. (OED)

Some examples of AllegorySome examples of Allegory

Jesus’ “The Good Samaritan” and “The Prodigal Son.”

The anonymously penned mystery play Everyman

Spencer’s the Fairie QueenBunyan’s Pilgrims ProgressC.S. Lewis’ The Lion, The Witch and the

Wardrobe.Hannah Hurnard's Hind's Feet on High Places

The nature of Allegory, such as The nature of Allegory, such as this portion from this portion from PilgrimsPilgrims ProgressProgress, is specific in the truth , is specific in the truth the author is trying to relate:the author is trying to relate:Chr. I seek an inheritance incorruptible, undefiled,

and that fadeth not away, and it is laid up in heaven, and safe there, to be bestowed, at the time appointed, on them that diligently seek it. Read it so, if you will, in my book.

Obst. Tush! said Obstinate, away with your book; will you go back with us or no?

Chr. No, not I, said the other, because I have laid my hand to the plough.

Characters in such stories are Characters in such stories are defined to represent the ideadefined to represent the idea

Obst. Come, then, neighbour Pliable, let us turn again, and go home without him; there is a company of these crazy-headed coxcombs, that, when they take a fancy by the end, are wiser in their own eyes than seven men that can render a reason.

Pli. Then said Pliable, Don't revile; if what the good Christian says is true, the things he looks after are better than ours: my heart inclines to go with my neighbour.

Obst. What! more fools still! Be ruled by me, and go back; who knows whither such a brain-sick fellow will lead you? Go back, go back, and be wise.

Dramatizations:Dramatizations:This is when an author attempts, through

fiction, to portray religious events in what he or she believes is historically accurate manner.

John Milton in Paradise Lost and Paradise Regained

General Lew Wallace’s Ben Hur

It should be remembered that as sincere as these authorsare in their attempt, they are bound by time, culture and world view.

""Awake, awake!" Up sprang the dogs, and, Awake, awake!" Up sprang the dogs, and, howling, ran away. The herds rushed together howling, ran away. The herds rushed together bewildered. The men clambered to their feet, bewildered. The men clambered to their feet, weapons in hand. "What is it?" they asked, in weapons in hand. "What is it?" they asked, in one voice. "See!" cried the watchman, "the sky one voice. "See!" cried the watchman, "the sky is on fire!" Suddenly the light became is on fire!" Suddenly the light became intolerably bright, and they covered their eyes, intolerably bright, and they covered their eyes, and dropped upon their knees; then, as their and dropped upon their knees; then, as their souls shrank with fear, they fell upon their faces souls shrank with fear, they fell upon their faces blind and fainting, and would have died had not blind and fainting, and would have died had not a voice said to them, "Fear not!" And they a voice said to them, "Fear not!" And they listened. listened. "Fear not: for behold, I bring you good "Fear not: for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy”tidings of great joy” Ben Hur by Gen. Lew Wallace

What though the field be lost? What though the field be lost? All is not lost; the unconquerable Will, All is not lost; the unconquerable Will, And study of revenge, immortal hate, And study of revenge, immortal hate, And courage never to submit or yield: And courage never to submit or yield: And what is else not to be overcome? And what is else not to be overcome? That Glory never shall his wrath or might That Glory never shall his wrath or might Extort from me. To bow and sue for grace Extort from me. To bow and sue for grace With suppliant knee, and deifie his power. . With suppliant knee, and deifie his power. .

Milton’s Satan

What matter where, if I be still the same, And what I should be, all but less then hee Whom Thunder hath made greater? Here at least We shall be free; th' Almighty hath not built Here for his envy, will not drive us hence: Here we may reign secure, and in my choyce To reign is worth ambition though in Hell: Better to reign in Hell, then serve in Heav'n.

Paradise Lost Book I

Dangers of Dramatization:Dangers of Dramatization:

Personal Bias of the AuthorInterpretations of the ReaderUnseen consequences of

unstated world views.

How, even while trying to tell the truth, an author can How, even while trying to tell the truth, an author can still be in danger of misrepresentation of the divine.still be in danger of misrepresentation of the divine.

Bias of the AuthorBias of the AuthorIn the 19th century most novelizations of

Christ’s life depict him as being slightly effeminate.

The Victorian bias (Dickens exemplifies this perfectly) was that women were organically more in tune with God’s nature then men. So Christ, being most like God, would have to be also on some level womanly.

He also was constantly depicted as having a headache. (Caused by spiritual stress)

““Milton was of the Devil’s Milton was of the Devil’s Camp and didn’t know it”Camp and didn’t know it”

William Blake

18th Century British Poet, Critic

and Myth Maker

And, of course, when dramatizing And, of course, when dramatizing one must wonder (and worry) how one must wonder (and worry) how readers will interpret one’s workreaders will interpret one’s work

But How Does the Nature of But How Does the Nature of the World View Affect the the World View Affect the

Author’s Successes?Author’s Successes?One age does not always translate

to another.

C.S. Lewis reminds us in The Discarded Image

For example “Sometime between 1160 and 1770 an English Priest named Layamon

wrote. . .that the air is filled with many being some good and some bad” (2).

The recollection that we, in an The recollection that we, in an age of science, do not share all age of science, do not share all the assumptions of those who the assumptions of those who came before us is came before us is especially especially importantimportant to remember when to remember when examining “works of the examining “works of the fantastic” (science fiction and fantastic” (science fiction and especially fantasy both for especially fantasy both for adults and children).adults and children).

Let us consider the word Let us consider the word “witch”“witch”

Do we believe that there are witches?

A man who practises witchcraft or magic; a magician, sorcerer, wizard. c890 Laws of Ælfred xxx, a fæmnan, e ewunia onfon ealdorcræftian, & scinlæcan, & wiccan. c1100 Gloss. in Wr.-Wülcker 183/31 Augur uel ariolus, wicca. a1225 Juliana 41 Ich hit am at spec urh simunes mu e wicche. c1250 Gen. & Ex. 3028 e wicches hidden hem for-an, Bi-foren pharaun nolden he ben. (OED)

At One Time Magic Functioned as a At One Time Magic Functioned as a Legitimate Explanation for Physical Legitimate Explanation for Physical Phenomena:Phenomena:

Chaucer like many medieval thinkers believed that Astrology actually explained why people behave the way they do.

Supernatural events in other belief systems other than Christianity were credited to magical powers of Satan.

In 391 AD, Emperor Theodosius outlaws all pagan worship.Many Calvinists thought white magic a legitimate science.

King James the Sixth of King James the Sixth of Scotland and the First of Scotland and the First of

England believed in WitchesEngland believed in Witches

He was also branded

"the wisest fool in Christendom“

by France's Henry IV

Remember His World ViewRemember His World ViewHe greatly feared the power of witches. He believed wholly that a

storm which threatened to sink his ship and drown both him and his 15-year-old wife, Queen Anne, was summoned by witches.

The Presbyterian church burned 4000 witches during his reign over Scotland

James I who authorized the translation of the King James Bible. Under his control, the soon to be oft-quoted Exodus 22:18 was changed from "Thou must not suffer a poisoner to live" to "Thou must not suffer a witch to live."

In addition, in 1597 he wrote Daemonologie to counter Discoverie of Witchcraft written by the skeptic Reginald Scot

Some say that ever 'gainst that season comesSome say that ever 'gainst that season comesWherein our Saviour's birth is celebrated,Wherein our Saviour's birth is celebrated,The bird of dawning singeth all night long:The bird of dawning singeth all night long:And then, they say, no And then, they say, no spiritspirit dares stir dares stir abroad;abroad;

The nights are wholesome; then no The nights are wholesome; then no planetsplanets strike, No strike, No fairyfairy takes, nor takes, nor witchwitch hath power to hath power to charm, So hallow'd and so gracious is the time.charm, So hallow'd and so gracious is the time.

Marcellus from Hamlet: Act I, scene i

Witches and wizards were not the only powers of dread inShakespeare’s 17th Century:

A Literal, Fundamentalist (Catholic) View of Belief Systems

In this model, the Only Truth is that which In this model, the Only Truth is that which comes from the direct revelation of God: comes from the direct revelation of God: first through the Jews, then through Jesus first through the Jews, then through Jesus and finally through the Fathers of New and finally through the Fathers of New Testament Church.Testament Church.All other belief systems since they are false, come from Satan. Intended

to delude.Thus Wicca is Satanic because it is outside of the true belief system.So is Greek Mythology, Norse Mythology and Celtic Mythology—all

perversions, all SatanicSo is Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam and even the Jewish faith since it has

failed to recognize the Messiah-ship of Christ.

The Exclusive Nature Endemic to Those Who Are Certain

But Many Christians, But Many Christians, especially in our tradition, do especially in our tradition, do

not hold to this view. . .not hold to this view. . .Magic is no longer a valid explanation of how

the universe works. (No broom can fly no matter what one does to it.) Science explains much.

Other belief systems are no longer consigned to Satan. (They are in error but are not overt manifestations of the diabolical. They contain glimmers of truth.)

God’s truth turns up in surprising places.

No, there is no such creature No, there is no such creature as a “witch”as a “witch”

Than this Gippsland Water Dragon

In spite of what theyclaim, these womenare no more real. . .

witches like these

. . .has anything in common with this.

People who, while watching the People who, while watching the Wizard of OzWizard of Oz, stand behind their , stand behind their children and say when Glenda children and say when Glenda the Good appears:the Good appears: “There’s no such

thing as a good witch.”

. . .should remember . . .should remember that there are no such that there are no such things as witches things as witches at allat all! ! Why not tell these Why not tell these same children as they same children as they read read The HobbitThe Hobbit, , “There is no magic?”“There is no magic?”

““Children have a Children have a better sense of better sense of make believe than make believe than most adults give most adults give them credit for.” them credit for.” Theodore Guisel Theodore Guisel (Dr. Seuse)(Dr. Seuse)

God’s Archetypal Revelation to all of Humanity

Every belief system has the potential to be twisted--power twists.

Can Christianity Be Twisted?Can Christianity Be Twisted?

Who is the more Satanic? The pagan for practicing an outlawed belief systems or the “Christian” about to set fire to a fellow human being’s flesh?

Tragically, Yes

Stories which contain [Stories which contain [God God createdcreated] Truths] Truths

Tolkien and C.S. Lewis used characters from old belief systems (Roman, Greek, Nordic, Celtic) because they knew these systems, while false, offer the artist a way to present truth while avoiding connotative baggage.

Lewis’ phrase: “getting around sleeping dragons.”Fantasy works which use such elements should not

have their truthfulness measured by the artificial system they create but by the truths their characters reveal.

Jesus is still the only way, the truth and the life.

Truths Believed in By Truths Believed in By Christians. . .and others.Christians. . .and others.

One either accepts that worthy works of literature have something to say whatever the background of the writer is overtly Christian or one does not. But if one does not. . .– No Homer’s Odysseus or Iliad– No Shakespeare’s Hamlet or Macbeth– No Wilde’s Portrait of Dorian Gray– No Melville’s Moby Dick– No Hemingway’s Old Man and the Sea

Worthy Art Expresses Truth

Tolkien’s work is true and Tolkien’s work is true and therefore worthytherefore worthy

His work is Christian because of its truth. There is good and evil. The least of souls has value in larger schemes of things. Sometimes the greatest good is done by those who give up what

power is available rather than claim it as their due. The fact that Middle Earth is populated by Wizards, Elves, Trolls,

and an Enchantress with a magic mirror which foresees the future is immaterial to the work’s truth.

Rowling’s work is true and Rowling’s work is true and therefore worthytherefore worthy

Her work is Christian because of its truth. There is good and evil “There are good wizards and bad ones, Harry.” The least of souls has value in larger schemes of things. Nigel Longbottom

wins the house cup even when he is overcome by his more adept friends. Sometimes the greatest good is done by those who give up what power is

available rather than claim it as their due. “Harry gives up a stone and a way to great power.”

The fact that Hogwarts is populated by Wizards, Witches, Trolls, and flying brooms is immaterial to the work’s truth.

Why Stand Up for Fantasy Why Stand Up for Fantasy and the Pumpkin King?and the Pumpkin King?

A vast host of precious readings are at stake. Some of the greatest works will burn if some literalists have their way.

A developed imagination is not just frosting on the “character-cake”--scientists have found that imagination helps develop the ability to objectify one’s self--and laugh.

A developed imagination opens the human heart to gain some sense of the limitless quality of God’s creative nature.