I'm a big fan of ann rice novels, and other books in the horror genre, but my wife considers it a sin or blasphemy to read such material. To me it is purely fiction. Tolkien was a hard-core Christian, and his works of fiction are one of the most renowned. What do you think?
2007-09-02 01:24:42 · 9 answers · asked by its_raining_outside 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Have no worries... it's not sin! Like you said, it's fiction, it's all made up! Now, if you really started believing in vampires and wanting to do things she talks about in her books, that's another story.
My daughter asked questions about Harry Potter. Told her we didn't do magic and we did not practice witchcraft, but it could still be fun to imagine. I mean, what kid wouldn't want a marauders map?!
There are those who feel that reading them leads to wanting them to be real or endorsing what is written. Personally, I think they are missing out on some really great fiction.
As you said... Tolkien, CS Lewis - great Christian writers, in both their fiction and non fiction work!
2007-09-02 01:57:07 · answer #1 · answered by usafbrat64 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Can reading fiction be a sin or blasphemy? Sometimes I would say. Not all fiction is bad, in fact there are many Christian fiction writers. But if the book contains bad language, blasphemy or miss represents God (which is also blasphemy) or situations that are sinful then I would not read it. A book about Vampires I would think would fall into this category. Let me put it this way, consider these to passages from the bible. First from Mathew the words of Jesus. “You are the salt of the earth. But what good is salt if it has lost its flavor? Can you make it salty again? It will be thrown out and trampled underfoot as worthless. “You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father." Mathew 5:13-16 Jesus tells us that we are his representatives on earth and that our deeds are to give him praise. Dear friends, I warn you as “temporary residents and foreigners” to keep away from worldly desires that wage war against your very souls. Be careful to live properly among your unbelieving neighbors. Then even if they accuse you of doing wrong, they will see your honorable behavior, and they will give honor to God when he judges the world. 1 Peter 2:11-13 Here Peter summarizes what Jesus said stating that we need to be careful how we act so that our behavior around unbelievers is honoring to God. I would submit that an action that is not necessarily sinful but could be misinterpreted by non-believers is something we should not do. Ask yourself before you pick out a book, "would this be honoring to God?", if you are indeed saved Jesus should be preciouses to you so why would you want to dishonor him in any way. Study these verses and pray hard about this before deciding that your choices of fiction are acceptable Christian reading.
2016-05-19 02:42:01 · answer #2 · answered by tamera 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I do not believe that reading fiction is in any way, wrong or a sin.
The only thing you should be careful about is that when you read alot of horror or murder mysteries..you can get a little "jumpy" when someone goes missing or is late home from work (your imagination can start to work overtime). So make sure you bind fear.
I find reading very relaxing and a stress reliever.
2007-09-02 01:39:52 · answer #3 · answered by Eartha Q 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Neither. But reading something that does not help in your spiritual growth does tend to lead you away from the truth. So beware!
2007-09-02 01:49:30 · answer #4 · answered by Andy Roberts 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes it's a secular book....I think ... I don't know I'm only thirteen gosh :(
2014-08-30 12:41:29 · answer #5 · answered by Sesshomaru 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
As long as you keep fiction and religion seperate, I don't see much harm.
2007-09-02 01:45:53 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
As long as it has good christian values and talks of the bibe in a positve way, I think it is fine. keep reading
2007-09-02 01:31:36 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
the Bible is the Big Book of Fiction, so I'd say no.
2007-09-02 01:40:27 · answer #8 · answered by Brendan G 4 · 0⤊ 6⤋
Jesus is my savior..
No, it is not sin.
resuming Atheist mode.
2007-09-02 01:30:08 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 2⤋