I know the title of this book will be heresy to some readers, but I heard about it on NPR today and it is now on the top of my reading list. Morning Edition featured an interview with Philip Pullman, the genius/blasphemer (whichever way you look at it) who authored the His Dark Materials trilogy, which cast the Christian Church/organized religion in a less than flattering light. Personally, I loved the books and the best part is that they made me think deeply about some of my beliefs, assumptions, and biases. According to Pullman, an avowed atheist, that's also the point of this novel.In brief, the book is about two people: Jesus and Christ. Jesus is the obedient do-gooder and Christ is his more worldly brother, who chronicles Jesus' deeds which bring him renown and ultimately lead to his death.
According to Amazon: "The remarkable new piece of fiction from best-selling and famously atheistic author Philip Pullman. By challenging the events of the gospels, Pullman puts forward his own compelling and plausible version of the life of Jesus, and in so doing, does what all great books do: makes the reader to ask questions. In Pullman's own words, 'The story I tell comes out of the tension within the dual nature of Jesus Christ, but what I do with it is my responsibility alone. Parts of it read like a novel, parts like history, and parts like a fairy tale; I wanted it to be like that because it is, among other things, a story about how stories become stories.' Written with unstinting authority... it is a pithy, erudite, subtle and powerful book by a controversial and beloved author. It is a text to be read and reread, studied and unpacked, much like The Good Book itself."
So my question to you out there is, what do you think about this subject? I'd love to hear your thoughts on any or all of the following questions. I hope this fosters a lively response and please feel free to give your true opinion, even if/especially if it contradict my views. I will not be offended in any way and love to hear a variety of perspectives.
1. Would you read this book?
2. Are you comfortable with the slant he takes?
3. Did you read any of his other books (The Golden Compass, Subtle Knife, The Amber Spyglass)? What did you think of them?
4. How do you feel about literature that takes an alternate view of events/doctrine that might conflict with your personal belief system?
7 comments:
Nollie's book club strikes again. Personally, I'm intrigued. This is why I love reading because it forces me to question my own prejudices and biases. It opens up topics I wouldn't otherwise know or understand as well. Call me a crazy liberal but I think it's important to read varying opinions to understand your own beliefs or ideas better. Questioning is a part of life and encouraged by the gospel. Okay, I'll get off my soapbox. Maybe I will get put on bed rest today and then I can lounge around and read this and not feel guilty.
I agree that reading varying opinions helps clarify our own thinking. It's interesting to see what others think and sometimes it expands our understanding. I do recommend listening to how you feel as you read. I've stopped reading things that hurt or drive away the spirit. Having a different opinion is not blasphemy, but some ideas are definitely blasphemous. Consider the source of the idea. That said, I read all of the Golden Compass series and liked them. In my mind there was a difference between the excesses of the bureaucracy of organized religions and true religion. I'll be interested to hear what you think of the book. Depending on what you all think, I might read it in August when I'm finished reading text books. Any other recommendations for my month of text-free reading?
Hmmm . . . would I read this book? Probably not. It doesn't sound too much up my ally.
2. Are you comfortable with the slant he takes? Whatever. I just had the person I visit teach tell me how pro abortion she is and openly mock the Mormon faith even though she is still on the records of the church. I try not to let things like that bug me unless it is having a negative effect in our society and I feel it infringes on my rights.
3. Did you read any of his other books (The Golden Compass, Subtle Knife, The Amber Spyglass)? Didn't read them--not super into fantasy. Saw the movie. It was fine--nothing to get worked up about like the rest of my fam that boycotted it.
4. How do you feel about literature that takes an alternate view of events/doctrine that might conflict with your personal belief system? Sometimes it is interesting. Sometimes it is damaging. I can see why I shouldn't read some books as I am easily persuaded by certain things. I have had to stop reading a book before which negatively affected the way I viewed life, people, my profession as this time (mom), and my relationships with others. I felt prompted to do so and am glad I did because the cloud that was over me lifted.
I just finished the Golden Compass a few weeks ago and haven't gotten to the rest of the trilogy yet, but am planning on it. I thought he was a skilled writer and enjoyed it for the story that was well told. I have wanted to talk to you about it and if you had read the rest of the trilogy (since I had only decided to read it based on your recommendation). I felt that what it really means to be "Christian" was not attacked so much as people in positions of power and authority abusing those positions, power and authority.
I think we've talked about this before, but I tend to lean towards reading varied opinions and ideas. For myself, after causing me to reflect, it reaffirms my faith and beliefs. I agree with the above comment by Lori, though, that "listening" to how you feel while reading it is important.
I also heard this interview on NPR and found it really fascinating. I loved The Golden Compass and am waiting to get the rest of the series from the library. So that being said, I will read this book. Can't wait to hear what you think.
So he is saying that his book reads like scripture? Wow, he sure thinks a lot about his writing. I do always think that reading something opposite from what I believe in makes me confirm my own beliefs, but the time that I actually have to read is so limited that I probably wouldn't read it because I already have a list of really good books........including the "good book" itself!
I heard this interview on Morning Edition as well. My initial reaction is that I wouldn't read the book and I still stand by that. The whole premise was offensive to me, then I saw you mark it to read through goodreads and it made me rethink my decision because I hold your opinion on books in such high regard. I still don't think I will read it, but I'm interested to hear your review of it when you do.
I haven't read any of his other books, but not because of any moral stance they just haven't really been on my radar.
I don't mind reading books that differ from my beliefs, I appreciate the opportunity to reexamine and more fully articulate my own faith. I can usually accept that not everyone sees things the same way as me and be OK with that and I usually learn something by listening to another perspective.
Can't wait to hear your review!
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