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religion in ya books
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From: Donna <druchunas>
Date: Sat, 25 Jun 2005 05:37:59 -0700 (PDT)
Has anyone read "Godless" by Pete Hautman? I've just bought it but haven't started it yet.
I agree that there are more religious young people in the US than there are GLBT. However, religion is indeed a choice while sexual orientation is not. I don't have a problem with books that portray characters who are religious, because that is a reflection of reality. I do have a problem with books that are intended to be religious "tracts" that are used to attract converts, to create guilt or fear, or to preach. I believe the "teen" versions of Tim LaHaye's books have these exact purposes. Obviously he has a right to free speech the same as everyone else, but I find the use of books as tool of evengelism
"going too far."
I would also like to see books who show young people who truly evaluate and, in some cases, reject the religion of their parents and communities. I am currently working on a book based on my own experiences in the Christian fundamentalist community when I was a teen and how I eventually escaped the close-minded subculture. It's very difficult to write about and I haven't found the right voice yet, but the thought has crossed my mind that many people will hate me and my book because my experience with fundamentalism and with Christianity in general was negative.
The current spread of the type of mindset that I was exposed to as a teen is partially what is making me want to write this book now. As I was involved with churches from New York to Texas to Tenessee and to California, I "learned" that having an open mind was dangerous and would eventually lead me to the gates of hell. I spent years trying to block out "the voice of the devil." I find it frightening that this type of thinking seems to be spreading -- and gaining political clout -- in our country today.
I believe that books should expose us to different ideas and lifestyles, and teach us to think for ourselves, not simply help us reinforce what we already believe.
Donna Druchunas
Received on Sat 25 Jun 2005 07:37:59 AM CDT
Date: Sat, 25 Jun 2005 05:37:59 -0700 (PDT)
Has anyone read "Godless" by Pete Hautman? I've just bought it but haven't started it yet.
I agree that there are more religious young people in the US than there are GLBT. However, religion is indeed a choice while sexual orientation is not. I don't have a problem with books that portray characters who are religious, because that is a reflection of reality. I do have a problem with books that are intended to be religious "tracts" that are used to attract converts, to create guilt or fear, or to preach. I believe the "teen" versions of Tim LaHaye's books have these exact purposes. Obviously he has a right to free speech the same as everyone else, but I find the use of books as tool of evengelism
"going too far."
I would also like to see books who show young people who truly evaluate and, in some cases, reject the religion of their parents and communities. I am currently working on a book based on my own experiences in the Christian fundamentalist community when I was a teen and how I eventually escaped the close-minded subculture. It's very difficult to write about and I haven't found the right voice yet, but the thought has crossed my mind that many people will hate me and my book because my experience with fundamentalism and with Christianity in general was negative.
The current spread of the type of mindset that I was exposed to as a teen is partially what is making me want to write this book now. As I was involved with churches from New York to Texas to Tenessee and to California, I "learned" that having an open mind was dangerous and would eventually lead me to the gates of hell. I spent years trying to block out "the voice of the devil." I find it frightening that this type of thinking seems to be spreading -- and gaining political clout -- in our country today.
I believe that books should expose us to different ideas and lifestyles, and teach us to think for ourselves, not simply help us reinforce what we already believe.
Donna Druchunas
Received on Sat 25 Jun 2005 07:37:59 AM CDT
