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From: James Elliott <j_c_elliott>
Date: Tue, 30 Nov 2004 13:41:21 -0500
My comments interspersed below:
Actually I was just listing those series for young readers which I knew featured religion as a central theme. I'm glad you responded, as did others. It makes for a good end of month discussion.
Good Question! and why doesn't the author re-work the book now that the flaws are apparent? I always wonder WHY more authors don't go back and do this once things are pointed out. I can't remember which writer I recently read about, but I did hear about one who DID exactly that -- went back and re-worked his book to take out what are now offensive stereotypes in his books. It might have been P. L. Travers ("Mary Poppins"), but I'm not sure!
Isn't that sad? I've sat under so many good ministers who were very compassionate and non-judgemental, yet presented the Gospel in such a way as you knew where they stood, and THEN I've sat very briefly with the OTHER KIND who thunder down fire and brimstone, and you wonder if they are reading the same Bible you are.
I wonder why these are not listed on OYATE?
Hey, don't insult Harlequin romances that way! But seriously, I've thought for some time now that most "Inspirational Writers" were trained under Harlequin rather than under Tolkein. It's very rare that I find a Christian fiction book that doesn't seem a) preachy, b) dumbed down, c) judgemental or d) totally unrealistic in their portrayal of everyday life, people, and events. For an example of all four, read any Grace Livingston Hill book!
The good thing is that you were able to discuss it with your daughter. Now think of all the parents who choose these books because they were told that these are "good Christian literature" for children, and don't bother to supervise the books for content and stereotyping. These are the same parents who hold Librarians responsible when their children check out a "Goosebumps" book.
Jim Elliott Children's Librarian Tallahassee, FL responding to:
Received on Tue 30 Nov 2004 12:41:21 PM CST
Date: Tue, 30 Nov 2004 13:41:21 -0500
My comments interspersed below:
Actually I was just listing those series for young readers which I knew featured religion as a central theme. I'm glad you responded, as did others. It makes for a good end of month discussion.
Good Question! and why doesn't the author re-work the book now that the flaws are apparent? I always wonder WHY more authors don't go back and do this once things are pointed out. I can't remember which writer I recently read about, but I did hear about one who DID exactly that -- went back and re-worked his book to take out what are now offensive stereotypes in his books. It might have been P. L. Travers ("Mary Poppins"), but I'm not sure!
Isn't that sad? I've sat under so many good ministers who were very compassionate and non-judgemental, yet presented the Gospel in such a way as you knew where they stood, and THEN I've sat very briefly with the OTHER KIND who thunder down fire and brimstone, and you wonder if they are reading the same Bible you are.
I wonder why these are not listed on OYATE?
Hey, don't insult Harlequin romances that way! But seriously, I've thought for some time now that most "Inspirational Writers" were trained under Harlequin rather than under Tolkein. It's very rare that I find a Christian fiction book that doesn't seem a) preachy, b) dumbed down, c) judgemental or d) totally unrealistic in their portrayal of everyday life, people, and events. For an example of all four, read any Grace Livingston Hill book!
The good thing is that you were able to discuss it with your daughter. Now think of all the parents who choose these books because they were told that these are "good Christian literature" for children, and don't bother to supervise the books for content and stereotyping. These are the same parents who hold Librarians responsible when their children check out a "Goosebumps" book.
Jim Elliott Children's Librarian Tallahassee, FL responding to:
Received on Tue 30 Nov 2004 12:41:21 PM CST
