“… it’s the “fantasies” set in the real world that pose the greater danger of deceiving — like those fantasies found in so much modern literature that teach us things like hope is an illusion, adultery is fulfilling, everything is meaningless, etc.”

That sentence really reached out and grabbed my attention. You’re so right – there’s a LOT of “fantasies” out there (in modern AND not-so-modern literature) that tell us all sorts of lies which masquerade as “the truth.” I can understand that in a fantasy novel, those lies are easier to sift and ignore, because everything in the book is “make believe.” In a contemporary novel, on the other hand, everything in the book is “real,” so the lies are harder to detect – many readers, I guess, absorb them with the rest of the “reality.” I think this is one reason why Christian writers have to be SO careful – because everything they write about God and people and life, SOMEONE mayb absorb as “the truth.” We’re supposed to be bearers of the truth, not deceivers. How wonderful it would be if authors of comtemporary novels poured as much hope into their “realities” as fantasy writers!

If you like thrillers, likely you WOULD enjoy it anyway. It’s well done. You make an excellent point about the “wild fantasies” out there about the nature of God.

I’ve often found it ironic that some Christians object to fantasy as a genre when in my opinion, it’s the “fantasies” set in the real world that pose the greater danger of deceiving — like those fantasies found in so much modern literature that teach us things like hope is an illusion, adultery is fulfilling, everything is meaningless, etc. Fantasy tends to do a better job of telling the truth about the world, and the obviously imaginary nature of it makes it easier (I think) for readers to sift it.

Part of my reason for feeling that way is that there are a lot of wild fantasies out there in the real world, even within the mainstream envelope, about the nature of God. It seems to be the way the battle with fad-culture goes–Christianity faces it too. So when I write, I’m always questioning, “Is this the way God treats people? Is this how God feels about people? About good and evil?”

I want the expression of God to be the anchor for the fantastical metaphor, rather than just using the human experience as the connecting point. I haven’t read Vanish, and spoilers don’t bother me, :~) but from what you’re saying I think I would have some trouble engaging with the Interworld plot line for the reasons you describe. Not to say I wouldn’t enjoy the book anyway.

@Elisabeth, don’t worry, you’ll find your “theological” ground, cheese not included, as you go. :~) My mom-in-law told me a vital piece of common sense as a new Christian: “When people make things complicated, just take it back to the cross. And if something doesn’t go back to the cross, it probably isn’t Christian.” That’s all the qualification you need to let your faith sing. Enjoy the journey!

Regards,
Cat

As this is my first blog-tour, I’ve been thoroughly enjoying reading the many posts. I especially enjoy the depth and thought you put into your review.

You make an interesting point regarding Christians going through the Interworld. In fact their experience is quite different. One of the reasons I wanted to write the sequel was to give a more detailed description of the place. “Vanish” shows it strictly from the non-Christian perspective, where the only hope a lost soul has is to be revived.

Many thanks,

Tom

That being said, I think God in a real-world setting would have to be as He is in our real world. I experience Him through His word, as I read it, as it is preached, as I talk of it with others. And I experience Him through prayer and the “still small voice” of His Holy Spirit nudging me toward truth, convicting me of sin, prompting me to pray. I also experience Him through the lives of believers as they show God’s love and grace and mercy. As they choose righteousness and flee temptation and give God praise and live with integrity.

It’s a harder kind of story, I think, to show God in these circumspect ways. I choose fantasy where I can have Him show up in all kinds of surprising ways.

Becky

As for God in fiction, when I have an overt Christ figure, I’m writing fantasy. (See my novella “Galatea” for a case in point.) Otherwise, my characters simply have a sense for what God is telling them to do. So I generally agree with the limit you mention on God in a non-fantasy setting.