Tag Archives: faith

Questions of Faith and Science Fiction

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The very first review of Signal Erased was reasonably generous, but the reviewer questioned “… a religious tone that may be unexpected for some readers …”

Is there a place for God in science fiction?

The reviewer’s tone made it clear they found “godly rhetoric” in the story uncomfortable, highlighting a scene when the heroine, Anna, asks her potential rescuer, Rennie, whether he’s ever asked God about healing for his long-term health condition. The lead to this highlight was “unfortunately”. And that’s fair, given that is the reviewer’s opinion, but clearly they find the idea of supernatural healing and intervention peculiar.

I actually welcome discussions with readers about my stories, including questions of why certain elements or incidents have been included. That said, I admit when writing Signal Erased, I hesitated depicting Anna’s worldview as being openly Jesus-centred, given how this might be received by some of my readers.

Given I write near-science fiction, my stories encompass futuristic technologies threaded around contemporary scenarios. I suppose I could be more allegorical and nuanced, but I allow my characters to wrestle with big life-questions we all encounter. These questions include faith, identity, self-worth, loss, relationship breakdown, health crises and more. To me, these are fundamental questions we all must answer for ourselves.  However, my past heroes have come from a sceptical position when it comes to faith and “God questions”.

Anna is the first character I’ve written who has settled her spirituality. Yet, she has also misconstrued her beliefs to cover a gaping wound of denied grief, instead, constantly striving to be the ultra-good girl. But why include the “Jesus love stuff” (as Rennie calls it), knowing it may raise brows and maybe even lose me some readers?

Whether we know it or not, we all have beliefs, faith and a worldview we live by. I understand not every person’s religious experiences are positive—some are crushingly detrimental. It makes me sad, even angry, when I learn of a searching heart who has been taken advantage of in what has become termed spiritual abuse. So why broach spirituality in my stories?

The fact is we are spiritual beings—whether people ration this as a survival mechanism, supernatural, or otherwise. It is my experience we are heard, seen and known; purposed in this moment of time by a higher power, who delights in spending time with us and sharing his heart in a very personal way. But, I believe, often our God-image gets distorted by our human filters and put in a box of regulations and restrictions we are comfortable with. Like Anna’s “always play it safe” perspective.

To purposely exclude this from a story would be to me, well, unnatural. And yet, we often do. In Anna’s case, it is very much a part of who she is and she simply wouldn’t have been the same character without this.

Something I find curious is readers seldom question or experience discomfort when an author includes spirituality from a non-Christian or even occultic angle. Although this is still embracing the supernatural and depicting faith (in powers of darkness), I personally find these stories difficult, having heard accounts of people who have suffered through devastating ritual abuse. And yet, the fact there is such acceptance of these stories reiterates our acceptance of the supernatural and spirituality as an intrinsic part of our make-up.

Let’s be honest—no one likes “preachy”. If I’m writing a scene where a character is wrestling with spiritual questions, I try letting it flow in a way that is natural and accessible, whilst consistent with the character. I don’t always get this balance right, but I am comfortable letting my characters explore these issues, even if they remain unresolved. After all, they’re still figuring out life for themselves.

That said, I’ve seen too much to not believe there is more to life than the physical world around us. What about you? I’d love to hear your thoughts

What an Amazing Adventure!

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OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAToday our Write Life series guest is the delightful, hugely inspiring, and always encouraging Anusha Atukorala. Anusha is one of those people who brighten the world wherever they go, and even when life offers lemons, she not only makes lemonade, she drops in a couple of ice cubes and makes it sparkle. It’s an absolute pleasure to host her today and I’m looking forward to reading about her ‘write’ amazing adventure!

 

My “Write Life” has been a remarkable journey – not without its bumps and twists but also with a cartload of joy and fun thrown in. It has been one of deep fulfillment not because of the millions I have yet to earn! But due to the immense satisfaction derived from the writing process. So … what have I learnt during this exciting voyage?

First. About life. Writing has forced me to reflect on my journey and what it’s all about. It has been a teacher in its own right. Rather than having it all sorted out in my brain and then verbalising it – I find that the writing process helps me organise my thoughts and learn new lessons from life. Putting it down helps me know myself better. Interesting. Further, it has reinforced my life values. That of working hard, of persistence, of refusing to give up against the odds, of not expecting instant results, of being faithful.

During the past few years, I’ve been challenged by my own writing – like an injection which turns back on the nurse administering it, to pierce her own skin instead, (ouch)! Or like a boomerang that returns to bop one on the head. I’ve often blogged, confident I was living true to what I’d written about. However, no sooner was my blog published than I’d be urgently challenged. If I’d written about forgiveness, there’d come a difficult person to trip me up. If I wrote about trusting God – there’d arrive a tough scenario where trusting didn’t come easy. Writing has forced me to own responsibility over my life and my actions. It has also shown me that just like my writing, I am still a work in progress.

And then, I’ve learnt the value of doing what’s important in life – not pleasing others or doing what brings outward reward – but doing what feeds my spirit and honours God. I’ve discovered that there is an important common thread in fiction and in real life. The depth of a good story is often the element of mystery in it. ‘Things are not what they seem.’ Life is much the same. Things are not what they seem. What happens to us and to those we love might seem meaningless. It may look as if evil is triumphing over goodness.

Ah! But there is hope. We are all part of the one amazing story of God. All will be revealed at the grand ending to our story. Till then – we can but hold onto the handlebars and enjoy the ride – perhaps screaming all the way, like relishing a Disneyworld adventure ride. The end will be worth it. So yes, my “Write Life” has been an exciting, fulfilling one – not without its challenges – but it has helped me know myself and to know what it is to be human. To grow in character through the power of words and to reach out gladly in the process so I can touch and bless my world.

Tied in Pink_JennyAnusha Atukorala has been in love with the English all her life. She’s also passionate about Jesus, life, family, friendship, reading, writing, music and the beauty of creation. Her first book ‘Enjoying the Journey‘ contains 75 stories of little lessons from everyday life. Her latest accomplishment is her first fiction story to be published in an Anthology called ‘Tied in Pink’ launched just yesterday – raising money for breast cancer research. (Follow links to find out more or purchase a copy.) Do drop in at her website, Dancing in the Rain, to say G’day – she’d love to connect with you.

Let it Flow

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Today I have the pleasure of introducing our second ‘Write Life’ guest blogger, award winning author, Jo Wanmer. Despite a huge couple of weeks, Jo has still managed to bring us a blog with her characteristically real and relevant insights – just like her writing (which if you haven’t read yet, you should check out). I’m sure you’ll appreciate her wisdom.

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‘Just write. Stay in the creative brain. Don’t question and don’t edit as you go. The aim is to get words on the page.’

This advice relaunched my second novel eighteen months after I’d given up on the manuscript. I decided to write and not worry if the work was good or bad, right or wrong, showing or telling. The first few lines were gibberish. Too bad. I pushed on wanting to launch a creative flow. The more I hit the keys, the better the story flowed. Within six weeks, I finished the novel, typing 70,000 words.

Every time I paused to question what I’d written, I made myself push on. Deletion could happen later if necessary, but it was imperative to stay in the creative flow, to keep writing. This strategy bought unexpected surprises. I loved the story. It was exciting, interesting, fresh and … rough. Rough can be fixed, errors can be rewritten but the plot was fantastic.

Now I apply this principle in many of life’s creative pursuits. The most revelatory is when listening to God. When seeking Him, the beginning of an idea forms in my mind. I used to asses it and often discard the thought before it was properly formed. Now I try to continue in the flow, even with crazy or seemingly sacrilegious ideas. I maintain creative imagination and ask God to use it. Later I can test the thoughts, pictures and ideas against scripture and other standards. Then it is time to use my left brain.

Sometimes God says the most unusual things. Read the Old Testament or Jesus words in New Testament. He often surprised his listeners. Yet for years I have expected God’s words to conform to my judgement and expectations.

In my current work in progress, the protagonist talks to God. And God responds. As I let the words flow, God says the most unexpected things. Instead of stopping and using the delete button, I continue and have my heroine question God. The subsequent revelations have been fascinating, insightful and added depth to my story.

How much wisdom have I missed over the years by reducing the Lord’s voice to my understanding? Now I record everything I think He may have said. I read it and either listen, discard or revisit it in another season of my life when it may speak to those circumstances.

 

579658_3755813086413_1808561116_nJo Wanmer, a Queenslander, loves life, family, and God and writes from her experience of all three. Her first book, Though the Bud be Bruised, was written to share the amazing things God taught her through adversity. This true story is presented as novel, which sparked an interest in further writing. Jo has written two other novels which are being refined at the moment. You can find her on Facebook or trawl through her blog at jo-wanmer.blogspot.com.au