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Who truly is

Who truly is. OR. ?. For this question to be answered we must come to closure about. . . Christianity Within in the Imaginative Worlds of authors like Bunyon , Milton, C.S. Lewis, Tolkien and. . . . She whose name and works we do not name. Oh, what the heck:. J.K. Rowling.

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Who truly is

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  1. Who truly is OR ?

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

  3. Christianity Within in the Imaginative Worlds of authors like Bunyon, Milton, C.S. Lewis, Tolkien and. . . She whose name and works we do not name. Oh, what the heck: J.K. Rowling

  4. Common Claims About Fantastic Literature that Are 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 and C. S. Lewis.

  5. These sound good, but their logic flawed: Due to faulty

  6. 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 (the warrant) argument that “the existence of the idea of God of necessity involves the objective existence of God” (OED). Thus the very fact that we can conceive of a God proves God exists. OED = Oxford English Dictionary

  7. Thus, the ontological nature of a word or concept is not placed there by the reader but is part of its very essence. Keep these Definitions in your head for later Here are just a few more. . .

  8. Also, remember the Difference between the Connotative and the Denotativemeaning of Words • Having the quality of denoting; designative, indicative. (a meaning assigned) (OED) • Logic. Of a word: Having the quality of designating, as distinguished from connotative. (OED) Denotative:

  9. 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)

  10. 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 ofgoodreport, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things."Philippians 4:6-8 (KJV)

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

  12. Christians and their use of Imaginative Stories—can we lie and tell the truth? • Parables • Allegories • Dramatizations • Stories which contain [God created] Truths Yes, We Can!

  13. How can we do this? Because Fiction is the lie that tells the truth! And because our Great Example used Fiction himself. Parables • A 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 Christ • Also favored by Buddha

  14. A few of Jesus’ Parables • The Parable of The Unforgiving Servant • The 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

  15. Some 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

  16. The Old Man and the ScorpionOne 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.

  17. 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."

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

  19. Some examples of Allegory • Jesus’ “The Good Samaritan” and “The Prodigal Son.” • The anonymously penned mystery play Everyman • Spencer’s the Fairie Queen • Bunyan’s Pilgrims Progress • C.S. Lewis’ The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe. • Hannah Hurnard's Hind's Feet on High Places

  20. The nature of Allegory, such as this portion from Pilgrims Progress, is specific in the truth 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.

  21. Characters in such stories are defined 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.

  22. 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 ParadiseRegained • General Lew Wallace’s Ben Hur It should be remembered that as sincere as these authors are in their attempt, they are bound by time, culture and world view.

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

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

  25. What matter where, if I be still the same, And what I should be, all but less then heeWhom 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 choyceTo reign is worth ambition though in Hell: Better to reign in Hell, then serve in Heav'n.Paradise Lost Book I

  26. Dangers of Dramatization: How, even while trying to tell the truth, an author can still be in danger of misrepresentation of the divine. • Personal Bias of the Author • Interpretations of the Reader • Unseen consequences of unstated world views.

  27. Bias of the Author • In 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)

  28. And, of course, when dramatizing one must wonder (and worry) how readers will interpret one’s work “Milton was of the Devil’s Camp and didn’t know it” William Blake 18th Century British Poet, Critic and Myth Maker

  29. But How Does the Nature of the World View Affect the Author’s Successes? C.S. Lewis reminds us in The Discarded Image One age does not always translate to another. For example “Sometime between 1160 and 1770 an English Priest named Layamonwrote. . .that the air is filled with many being some good and some bad” (2).

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

  31. Let us consider the word “witch” A man who practices witchcraft or magic; a magician, sorcerer, wizard.c890Laws of Ælfred xxx, a fæmnan, e ewunia onfon ealdorcræftian, & scinlæcan, & wiccan. c1100Gloss. in Wr.-Wülcker 183/31 Augur uel ariolus, wicca. a1225Juliana 41 Ich hit am at spec urh simunes mu e wicche. c1250Gen. & Ex. 3028 e wicches hidden hem for-an, Bi-foren pharaun nolden he ben. (OED) Do we believe that there are witches?

  32. At One Time Magic Functioned as a Legitimate Explanation for Physical 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.

  33. King James the Sixth of Scotland and the First of England believed in Witches He was also branded "the wisest fool in Christendom“ by France's Henry IV

  34. Remember His World View • He 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 churchburned 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

  35. Some say that ever 'gainst that season comesWherein our Saviour's birth is celebrated,The bird of dawning singeth all night long:And then, they say, no spirit dares stir abroad;The nights are wholesome; then no planets strike, No fairy takes, nor witch hath power to charm, So hallow'd and so gracious is the time. Marcellus from Hamlet: Act I, scene i

  36. A Literal, Fundamentalist (Catholic) View of Belief Systems

  37. In this model, the Only Truth is that which comes from the direct revelation of God: first through the Jews, then through Jesus and finally through the Fathers of New 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 Satanic • So is Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam and even the Jewish faith since it has failed to recognize the Messiah-ship of Christ.

  38. The Exclusive Nature Endemic to Those Who Are Certain

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

  40. No, there is no such creature as a “witch” In spite of what they claim, these women are no more real. . . Than this Gippsland Water Dragon witches like these . . .has anything in common with this.

  41. People who, while watching the Wizard of Oz, stand behind their children and say when Glenda the Good appears: . . .should remember that there are no such things as witches at all! Why not tell these same children as they read The Hobbit, “There is no magic?” “There’s no such thing as a good witch.” “Children have a better sense of make believe than most adults give them credit for.” Theodore Guisel (Dr. Seuse)

  42. God’s Archetypal Revelation to all of Humanity

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

  44. Can Christianity Be Twisted? Tragically, Yes 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?

  45. Stories which contain [God created] 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.

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

  47. Truths Believed in By 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

  48. Tolkien’s work is true and therefore 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.

  49. Rowling’s work is true and therefore 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.

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