Now, what about a test? The test is, I knew I wouldn't agree, for solid Biblical reasons with the books stand eschatologically. However, the test is, how influencing will this book be on my viewpoint? Fiction is such a powerful tool, can it penetrate my reasoning and supplant ideas I've had? No, in this case I think not. But someone less entrenched in their ideas? Extremely. I looked up some of the scripture references they used, non-descript, not much to say about them. Which I suppose is good ;) It's not heresy I'm reading!! (Which is a topic I think I'd like to blog post on..)
Anyway, it's just an in-my-face reminder that fiction is amazingly powerful. I'll finish the book God willing and give you my final opinion, but---I can't read with a blank slate, that my friends, would be the worst thing I could do.
10 comments:
LOL :) I find this interesting, you don't like it when I tell you I'm thinking of reading Harry Potter but when you read "The Appearing" it is different?
Harry Potter is pure fiction, a useless read for learning, just entertaining.
While The Appearing is (messed up) "Christian" that will make weak Christians fall.
Which is the worse of two evils?
I my opinion, "The Appearing" because it is "known" as Christian. Anyone with a weak faith might try learning from it , and learn wrong.
While Harry Potter is just a "fun" read, that no one learns from.
Just my thoughts.
GA
You present a viable point :)
Because Harry Potter is morally damaging as well as strictly contrary to scripture in the extensive usage of "real" magic.
While this book is only counter to my theology because I don't hold to their belief. Which in fact, is held by quite a few strong Christians, stumbling in this case would not be sin for myself it would be doubting what I hold true.
The thing is, end times often deal with a large bit of conjecture, is The Appearing more dangerous than a non-theo off book, yes. Is it more dangerous than Harry Potter to the average Christian? I believe the answer is a resounding no. Many young believers don't even care what their eschatology view is, not to mention they can't support it. The message in this book won't weaken anyone's faith, except perhaps in their own ideas. Where as the message preached in Harry Potter could easily be a stumbling block.
Good thoughts, but I believe you are extremely mistaken.
Millard
First off, "Many young believers don't even care what their eschatology view is, not to mention they can't support it."
What age is this book meant for?
So are you saying that your views are being challenged?
"The message in this book won't weaken anyone's faith, except perhaps in their own ideas."
If my view of something I believe in is "weakened" won't I, and most other people reading this book, start doubting other things in their spiritual life. Major things like did Jesus really die for us?
I still think that if I (or another Christian) read Harry Potter we would start reading it with a defense up and ready for any of it's teachings.
While for "The Appearing" someone would depend on the fact that it is "Christian" and not be prepared to defend what they believe or if they believe it.
(Doesn't want a reply about below stuff, just thought I would throw it out.)
Side note about Magic, Prophets were thought by some to be magicians because of the miracles they did. Though God gave them the power to do amazing things.
I also feel magic is real, it is called demons tricking people.
GA
@ Goldarrow:
When you say that that The Appearing is Christian in quotation marks, I think you may have the wrong idea. It IS Christian in the sense of Mere Christianity (the part of Christianity that all true Christians agree on i.e. The Trinity, Jesus died on the cross, etc.). I think you should take this with a grain of salt, realizing it is many Christians' viewpoint. I am not saying you should believe it, just understand what it is.
Your statement: (What age is this book meant for?)
*Hehe, of course this age! They are trying to educate people
Your statement: (So are you saying that your views are being challenged?)
*Oh, hm…good question My preconceptions perhaps are. My views solidly? No, not directly. That’s what makes me have to keep a close eye on my ideas :D Fiction makes the presentation of anything easier.
(If my view of something I believe in is "weakened" won't I, and most other people reading this book, start doubting other things in their spiritual life. Major things like did Jesus really die for us?)
*Not at all. That’s totally out of proportion. The book’s view is an eschatological one. I cannot even condemn it as a “bad” view, just wrong. It’s not morally bad, nor does it doubt any of the pillars of Christian faith. It’s not saying Jesus won’t come back, simply when he will come back is different than when I think.
Your statement: (I still think that if I (or another Christian) read Harry Potter we would start reading it with a defense up and ready for any of it's teachings. )
*You should. But will many Christians? Not at all, especially as they read more of the books. It’s faulty to assume Christians will read with the radar up, it’s just not realistic. And if you get things leaked into your life regardless, and end times view, and poor moral and spiritual tenants are at opposite ends of the spectrum.
Your statement:(While for "The Appearing" someone would depend on the fact that it is "Christian" and not be prepared to defend what they believe or if they believe it.)
*That’s the thing, I don’t have a moral issue if someone believes mid-trib rapture! LOL. I just think it’s wrong. Lots of Christians *do* believe in it. So……lots wouldn’t be *needing* to defend their view. Besides, we should always read critically, people just don’t.
Your statement: (Prophets were thought by some to be magicians because of the miracles they did. Though God gave them the power to do amazing things. )
*That’s a statement that I believe is not real biblical, and is unsound! God never let power through prophets remain as a mystical magic. If you really believe it, please show me references and Biblical analysis that would say this. I’m not against changing my view, I’m saying I don’t think your statement is biblical though.
Your statement: (I also feel magic is real, it is called demons tricking people. )
*Magic is real, we know that from the Bible. What is magic? *shrugs* Harder to define than I imagined. It’s only tricking in the sense that people are not really in control, if that’s what you mean. But things that are done, curses that are made, etc. Very real.
Millard
From what you said in your blog post it lead me to think you disagreed with the book just like you disagree with Harry Potter.
I still think you don't understand where I am coming from and for sake of my time I am going to leave this topic.
Thank you GA
I do disagree with the book :) However, I said nothing about morals or magic in my initial comments. Sorry for the confusion.
Perhaps I don't. But am I wrong? In any event, we can end the discussion.
Millard
Hi Mill,
I appreciate you have your brain engaged when you do your mega reading! My thoughts--if you are going to push your internal limits, always err on the side of caution, and always keep your brain turned on. I appreciate you.
millsmom
You go mom ;) We gotta get you a blogger account.
I'm with you. :) Gotta keep this brain powered up--make more chili! ;)
Love ya :D
Millard
(OO) Tis an appearance of Millard's mom! Hail Mrs. Shining Light! :D
Interesting debate. I have read the Harry Potter series...I was not impressed. Goldarrow's statement regarding the 'pure fiction...just for entertaining' element of Harry Potter is only partially true. The series, especially toward the end, takes on a very dark feel--even if the tale comes out all right in the end.
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