Theological fiction

Theological fiction is fictional writing which shapes or depicts people's attitudes towards theological beliefs.[1][2][3] It is typically instructional or exploratory rather than descriptive,[4] and it engages specifically with the theoretical ideas which underlie and shape typical responses to religion.[5] Theological fiction, as a concept, is used by both theists and atheists, such as in fictional pantheons and cultures in theological fantasy literature.[6]

Theological and religious fiction

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The subject matter of theological novels often overlaps with philosophical novels, particularly when it deals with issues from natural theology (also called philosophy of religion). For example, Roger Olsen notes that the problem of evil is a feature of some significant theological fiction.[7]

Theological fiction also overlaps with religious fiction or Christian novels (also called inspirational fiction), especially when dealing with complex ideas such as redemption, salvation and predestination, which have a direct bearing on attitudes towards religious practices.[8] Some authors try to distinguish a theological novel as one which denotes a more idea driven plot, rather than a novel which is about people who happen to be interacting with religion,[9] but the distinction often proves difficult to sustain when ideas and actions are closely interwoven, each influencing the other.[10]

Theological short stories

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Examples of the genre (also called novellae) include:

Theological long fiction

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Examples of theological long fiction include:

Linked series of theological fiction

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Individual stories can be linked in series to constitute a composite novel or a short story cycle, where a group of stories interact to convey a richer or fuller story than any of the single elements can.[11]

Examples of linked series of theological fiction include:

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "Theological-fiction". Goodreads. Retrieved 8 November 2019.
  2. ^ Kamm, Oliver. "Theological Novels". Book Blogs. Retrieved 8 November 2019.
  3. ^ Smith, Chris. "12 Fiction Books that will shape your Theology". Relevant Magazine. Retrieved 8 November 2019.
  4. ^ Challies, Tim. "The Bestsellers: The Harbinger". Challies Reviews. Retrieved 8 November 2019.
  5. ^ Frykholm, Amy. "A novel at the edge of Faith". The Christian Century. Retrieved 8 November 2019.
  6. ^ Hartman, Rachel (9 Mar 2015). "Five Theological Fantasies for Ecstatic Atheists". TOR.Com Science Fiction, Fantasy and the Universe. Retrieved 8 November 2019.
  7. ^ Olsen, Roger. "Some good novels that include theological themes". Evangelical Arminian Theological Musings. Retrieved 8 November 2019.
  8. ^ Churchwell, Sarah (4 Oct 2008). "A man of sorrows". The Guardian. Retrieved 8 November 2019.
  9. ^ Spinella, Frank. "The Value of Theological Fiction". Theology and Literature. Retrieved 8 November 2019.
  10. ^ Keates, Jonathan (12 Dec 2017). "Spiritual home Integrity and multitudes in an unapologetically theological novel". The Times Literary Supplement. Retrieved 8 November 2019.
  11. ^ Harper, Baird (8 Sep 2017). "5 Essential Linked Story Collections That Are Better Than Novels". Literary Hub. Retrieved 10 November 2019.
  12. ^ "The Journey Series". Grace and Truth Books. Retrieved 10 November 2019.
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