I partly agree with Kathleen Nielson's assertion that reading fiction can help in some respects. We see the beauty of good writing, plots, wonderful narratives, and also some experiences that speak of what individuals are going through at times in history and life. Having said that, let's be careful not to think fiction itself can give us a glimpse into things we need to know as believers. We can understand better by dialogue with others. We can understand other experiences by actually reading biographies, autobiographies, and history (not as thrilling as a novel, but maybe more insightful). And finally, the greatest narrative we can read is the Word of God because it is the absolute truth that speaks on God, man's sin, and the redemption in Christ. As for novels giving better sermon illustrations; the best illustrations of a sermon should come from the Bible itself. We have numerous Old Testament and New Testament narratives about every aspect of sin, God, and the beauty of holiness and salvation. And while a personal illustration or a fictional one can validate a sermon based on scripture, the best place to find it is in the scriptures itself. For example, Jesus spoke on the dangers of adultery in Matthew 5:27-30; you can find the perfect illustration of it in King David's act against Bathsheba in 2 Samuel 11:1-5 and the consequences of it as you continue in that chapter. How about hatred that leads to murder? 1 John 3:10-15 shows the depths of hatred as compared to love and uses Cain as an example; you can go back to Genesis 4:1-15 to show the illustration as well as the consequences. Remember, fiction can serve a purpose for sure, but the Word of God itself is always better for the growth and maturity of believers (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
Such a beautiful word handled with so much grace!! Even the simplest message of understanding others through their personal writing can stand to glorify Christ. Awesome!
I was an English literature major who then became a Christian. People actually showed some surprise when I told them that. They said usually it's the other way around. Personally, I agree that GOOD literature gives us wonderful insight into the fallen human state, and as I started reading novels again after I became a Christian, I could actually understand and appreciate more God's undeserved and grace-filled pardon and redemption extended to us. I keep reminding myself that the majority of the people in the world don't know God, and what we read in GOOD literature is as close to reality as you can get.
Sure , when you watch accident news on "CNN" you forget about it immediately but suppose we have the same in form of a story with background of victims given, one will have empathy and more concern
RC Sproul asserted 25 years ago that it is helpful to read novels. I disagreed and having listened to her now, I still disagree. She offers no biblical support for what she is encouraging. Paul quoted from secular plays (in Acts and 1 Cor if I remember correctly), but that does not mean he paid close attention to them. He may have come across them and remembered them just as I hear song lyrics that might illustrate something that Scripture exposes. When I've heard movies or stories used as illustration, there is no organic connection between them and Scripture. I find that they actually do not fit because they are of a different nature; they are on a different plain. They often have to be forced in and then become a distraction.
all great saints have knowledge of literature.. st. Augustine, St. Jerome, St. Ambrose of Milan.. They were all educated with classical Roman education... They read Virgil, Greek Tragedies , Homer Etc... This is why they became eloquent and became good writers of Christian theology....
Actually the bible is what has inspired literature! Think of all those stylistic features! But one need to be keen on how much fiction is consumed, which type and when? A student may be diverted to fiction and fail to concentrate on "important" reading!!
The bible is a novel. This is why I dont listen to women pastors. The only thing you need to know about Africa is to feed and take care of the orphans and widows. She sounds more like a college profeasor than a church leader. Jesus quotes the Old Testament not Socrates or anyone around during his time. He didn't possess lofty ideas or storehouses of great literature. He lived a vagabond life and died a criminal's death. That is the only story we need to be relating to people. You can't dress up the gospel. It stands on its own. People either receive it or they don't at that time.
The bible is a novel. This is why I dont listen to women pastors. The only thing you need to know about Africa is to feed and take care of the orphans and widows. She sounds more like a college profeasor than a church leader. Jesus quotes the Old Testament not Socrates or anyone around during his time. He didn't possess lofty ideas or storehouses of great literature. He lived a vagabond life and died a criminal's death. That is the only story we need to be relating to people. You can't dress up the gospel. It stands on its own. People either receive it or they don't at that time.
The bible is a novel. This is why I dont listen to women pastors. The only thing you need to know about Africa is to feed and take care of the orphans and widows. She sounds more like a college profeasor than a church leader. Jesus quotes the Old Testament not Socrates or anyone around during his time. He didn't possess lofty ideas or storehouses of great literature. He lived a vagabond life and died a criminal's death. That is the only story we need to be relating to people. You can't dress up the gospel. It stands on its own. People either receive it or they don't at that time.
I partly agree with Kathleen Nielson's assertion that reading fiction can help in some respects. We see the beauty of good writing, plots, wonderful narratives, and also some experiences that speak of what individuals are going through at times in history and life. Having said that, let's be careful not to think fiction itself can give us a glimpse into things we need to know as believers. We can understand better by dialogue with others. We can understand other experiences by actually reading biographies, autobiographies, and history (not as thrilling as a novel, but maybe more insightful). And finally, the greatest narrative we can read is the Word of God because it is the absolute truth that speaks on God, man's sin, and the redemption in Christ. As for novels giving better sermon illustrations; the best illustrations of a sermon should come from the Bible itself. We have numerous Old Testament and New Testament narratives about every aspect of sin, God, and the beauty of holiness and salvation. And while a personal illustration or a fictional one can validate a sermon based on scripture, the best place to find it is in the scriptures itself. For example, Jesus spoke on the dangers of adultery in Matthew 5:27-30; you can find the perfect illustration of it in King David's act against Bathsheba in 2 Samuel 11:1-5 and the consequences of it as you continue in that chapter. How about hatred that leads to murder? 1 John 3:10-15 shows the depths of hatred as compared to love and uses Cain as an example; you can go back to Genesis 4:1-15 to show the illustration as well as the consequences. Remember, fiction can serve a purpose for sure, but the Word of God itself is always better for the growth and maturity of believers (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
Beautifully said.
Ms. Nielson makes a good point on the importance of reading novels!
Thanks!
This is exactly what I needed today. Thank you!
Such a beautiful word handled with so much grace!! Even the simplest message of understanding others through their personal writing can stand to glorify Christ. Awesome!
How beautifully she expressed this...
WOW!!! Perfectly said!
I was an English literature major who then became a Christian. People actually showed some surprise when I told them that. They said usually it's the other way around. Personally, I agree that GOOD literature gives us wonderful insight into the fallen human state, and as I started reading novels again after I became a Christian, I could actually understand and appreciate more God's undeserved and grace-filled pardon and redemption extended to us. I keep reminding myself that the majority of the people in the world don't know God, and what we read in GOOD literature is as close to reality as you can get.
Sure , when you watch accident news on "CNN" you forget about it immediately but suppose we have the same in form of a story with background of victims given, one will have empathy and more concern
Tradução para português
Agree in principle, but much modern fiction is filled with foul language and graphic sexuality. I will not expose my mind to that.
Classics where its at
RC Sproul asserted 25 years ago that it is helpful to read novels. I disagreed and having listened to her now, I still disagree. She offers no biblical support for what she is encouraging. Paul quoted from secular plays (in Acts and 1 Cor if I remember correctly), but that does not mean he paid close attention to them. He may have come across them and remembered them just as I hear song lyrics that might illustrate something that Scripture exposes. When I've heard movies or stories used as illustration, there is no organic connection between them and Scripture. I find that they actually do not fit because they are of a different nature; they are on a different plain. They often have to be forced in and then become a distraction.
all great saints have knowledge of literature.. st. Augustine, St. Jerome, St. Ambrose of Milan.. They were all educated with classical Roman education... They read Virgil, Greek Tragedies , Homer Etc... This is why they became eloquent and became good writers of Christian theology....
Actually the bible is what has inspired literature! Think of all those stylistic features! But one need to be keen on how much fiction is consumed, which type and when? A student may be diverted to fiction and fail to concentrate on "important" reading!!
The bible is a novel. This is why I dont listen to women pastors. The only thing you need to know about Africa is to feed and take care of the orphans and widows. She sounds more like a college profeasor than a church leader. Jesus quotes the Old Testament not Socrates or anyone around during his time. He didn't possess lofty ideas or storehouses of great literature. He lived a vagabond life and died a criminal's death. That is the only story we need to be relating to people. You can't dress up the gospel. It stands on its own. People either receive it or they don't at that time.
Ms. Nielson makes a good point on the importance of reading novels!
Thanks!
The bible is a novel. This is why I dont listen to women pastors. The only thing you need to know about Africa is to feed and take care of the orphans and widows. She sounds more like a college profeasor than a church leader. Jesus quotes the Old Testament not Socrates or anyone around during his time. He didn't possess lofty ideas or storehouses of great literature. He lived a vagabond life and died a criminal's death. That is the only story we need to be relating to people. You can't dress up the gospel. It stands on its own. People either receive it or they don't at that time.
Lovely explanation! The gospel stands on its own!
The bible is a novel. This is why I dont listen to women pastors. The only thing you need to know about Africa is to feed and take care of the orphans and widows. She sounds more like a college profeasor than a church leader. Jesus quotes the Old Testament not Socrates or anyone around during his time. He didn't possess lofty ideas or storehouses of great literature. He lived a vagabond life and died a criminal's death. That is the only story we need to be relating to people. You can't dress up the gospel. It stands on its own. People either receive it or they don't at that time.