"But it's just FICTION!..."

[Joe_5859]

This seems to be a familiar sentiment I’ve seen on several threads regarding Harry Potter, The Golden Compass, The Da Vinci Code, etc.

Does anyone really think that “fiction” means “a free license to say anything you want and be protected from any and all criticism”? Perhaps I misunderstand what people mean by saying “It’s just fiction”…

Fiction is very influential. An entire generation of people have a seed planted in their head that Christianity is a sham and Jesus married Mary Magdalene, thanks to Dan Brown. Will “The Da Vinci Code” shake the faith of a solidly formed Christian? Probably not. But there are millions of people who are NOT well-formed in their faith or have no faith whatsoever. This novel plants a seed of doubt that may prevent someone from embracing Christ.

I don’t see the problem in taking these issues seriously. Of course, we must be fair and honest about our criticisms. But I think that statements like “Lighten up, it’s just a book (or movie)” only serves to short circuit any genuine discussion of the issues.

I think everyone realizes that it is fiction. Pointing this out only makes it seem like you think the other person is too stupid to realize that. But fiction still has an impact on the way we think.

But maybe I’m wrong. Okay, I’ll get off my little soap box now. I guess I just need to get that out of my system. I feel better now!

 

[adrift]

This is a point that I think many are trying to make. Thanks for making it so well:thumbsup:

 

[TomPiltoff]

Does anyone really think that “fiction” means “a free license to say anything you want and be protected from any and all criticism”? Perhaps I misunderstand what people mean by saying “It’s just fiction”…

Not at all. You’re free to criticize whatever you’d like about fiction.

It’s when you take the next step and suggest that fiction affects reality that I have a problem.

Fiction is very influential. An entire generation of people have a seed planted in their head that Christianity is a sham and Jesus married Mary Magdalene, thanks to Dan Brown. Will “The Da Vinci Code” shake the faith of a solidly formed Christian? Probably not. But there are millions of people who are NOT well-formed in their faith or have no faith whatsoever. This novel plants a seed of doubt that may prevent someone from embracing Christ.

That’s pure BS. We’re talking about the concept of GOD. OK? Got it? Ruler of existence. Nobody is going to let a Tom Hanks movie be the basis for getting closer to God.

 

[Joe_5859]

Not at all. You’re free to criticize whatever you’d like about fiction.

Thank you, I will!

It’s when you take the next step and suggest that fiction affects reality that I have a problem.

Okay, I said “Fiction influences people” not “fiction affects reality”. I don’t see how you can argue against that point.

For example, if you see the episode of CSI where Catherine Willows goes on a pro-choice diatribe in front of a priest who is reduced to silence, it influences people. Of course they realize the whole thing is fictional, but it plants the seed that the pro-life position isn’t rationally defensible. Certainly, if someone is formed in their opinions, it will probably not sway them. Many people can see such things for what they are, but many cannot. I know that I was susceptible to such things when I was younger.

That’s pure BS. We’re talking about the concept of GOD. OK? Got it? Ruler of existence. Nobody is going to let a Tom Hanks movie be the basis for getting closer to God.

“Pure BS”? Not sure whether that’s supposed to be qualify as a rational argument or an insult.

One of my good friends’ grandmother, who has been Catholic her whole life, is in serious danger of losing her faith because of “The Da Vinci Code”. She now believes that Christianity is a sham and the Church has tried to cover it up. My friend’s family is having an awful time trying to convince her that the ideas proposed in the book are simply fallacious. And I have heard similar stories from others as well.

Perhaps you are intelligent enough not to fall for such things (and good for you that you can make those distinctions), but not everyone can make those distinctions. And I think it’s foolish to think that fiction doesn’t influence people.

I’m not trying to say that, if someone reads The DaVinci Code, they will definitely lose their faith. They may recognize 99% of the errors, but perhaps just 1% will slip by undetected.

After all, if fiction doesn’t influence people, what’s the point? Entertainment only? I think that would be a gross reduction of the term.

 

[TomPiltoff]

I know that I was susceptible to such things when I was younger.

I’m trying to put this as nicely as I can, but…if your views on important issues are swayed by fictional TV shows, then you have a problem.

One of my good friends’ grandmother, who has been Catholic her whole life, is in serious danger of losing her faith because of “The Da Vinci Code”.

Then, I’m sorry, but she’s a sucker. The DaVinci Code shouldn’t be frowned upon because a bunch of people cannot make important decisions on their own.

Perhaps you are intelligent enough not to fall for such things (and good for you that you can make those distinctions), but not everyone can make those distinctions. And I think it’s foolish to think that fiction doesn’t influence people.

Well it just depends on what you’re saying.

If you’re suggesting The DaVinci Code shouldn’t exist, that is wrong.

 

[estesbob]

This seems to be a familiar sentiment I’ve seen on several threads regarding Harry Potter, The Golden Compass, The Da Vinci Code, etc.

Does anyone really think that “fiction” means “a free license to say anything you want and be protected from any and all criticism”? Perhaps I misunderstand what people mean by saying “It’s just fiction”…

Fiction is very influential. An entire generation of people have a seed planted in their head that Christianity is a sham and Jesus married Mary Magdalene, thanks to Dan Brown. Will “The Da Vinci Code” shake the faith of a solidly formed Christian? Probably not. But there are millions of people who are NOT well-formed in their faith or have no faith whatsoever. This novel plants a seed of doubt that may prevent someone from embracing Christ.

I don’t see the problem in taking these issues seriously. Of course, we must be fair and honest about our criticisms. But I think that statements like “Lighten up, it’s just a book (or movie)” only serves to short circuit any genuine discussion of the issues.

I think everyone realizes that it is fiction. Pointing this out only makes it seem like you think the other person is too stupid to realize that. But fiction still has an impact on the way we think.

But maybe I’m wrong. Okay, I’ll get off my little soap box now. I guess I just need to get that out of my system. I feel better now!

I totally agree. Of course I know you are not talking about the wise and perceptive folks like yourself that can recognize fiction for what it is but rather are talking about the great unwashed masses who actually form their faith based on the Da Vinci Code and believe they can pick up a stick & cast Spells because they read Harry Potter. Since we know our children are clueless about what’s real and not we really should not allow them to read until the age of 18-at least that is unless it’s the Bible and then we have tobe very careful what parts they read.

 

[edwest2]

As a professional writer of fiction, I know for a fact that some (some) people can be influenced to think about things a little differently by what I write. As a friend of mine once said, “Birds are born with the knowledge to build a nest and raise their young. Human beings have to be taught.”

To the degree that parents do their job, a child who is properly raised up will not depart from what he’s learned. Unfortunately, there are a lot of voices out there that are trying to convince you about something 24 hours a day; “Read this! Buy that! Chicks will dig you!” Or “Vote for this or that!”

For those who are older and who have a respect for authority, they might be more easily convinced that author so and so is telling them something true. But, ever since I was a boy, I’ve heard: “You can’t believe half of what you read in the papers.”

That being said, someone who does not know their Bible and Catechism might be persuaded, even by some things posted on this message board, that “Oh, maybe I was wrong about that.” I think each person owes it to himself to examine stories that supposedly say something contrary to their beliefs, especially when it’s a widely known book or movie.

“Avoid truth decay, read your Bible.” Sign on a church I drove past.

God bless,
Ed

 

[adrift]

Star Trek pure fiction yet it was written with the intent of changing society. It deliberatly cast the crew to be multi-cultural and It had the first interracial kiss. It inflluenced society in a very positive way.

This series was fiction and if you say it didn’t influence generations than you don’t live in this world. We are influenced by a host of things . If that were not true, there would be no adds. Many fiction writers write to influence I could name off many who did. It is fiction to say otherwise.

 

[historybrat]

Of course it’s just fiction, and of course some people are influenced by it. But should we ban everything that could possibly negatively effect someone’s faith? No way. Every saint has had their faith tested. At some point in everybody’s life it happens, maybe its through book, a person, a t.v. show, etc., but it’s going to happen. Only through having our faith tested can we truly be sure of it.

And in this great world that some are trying to build, who gets to decide what its good fiction and what is bad fiction? You? Me? President Bush? How do we come up with the criteria that fits all people?

And yes parents should work to protect their kids, but at some point those kids will leave home. Shouldn’t they have the tools to defend their faith (which can’t be gotten by never exposing children to outside ideas) then to be defenseless? I think its better to expose kids in an environment that the parents can control and aid their kids, then in the real world once they have grown up.

I think its time to stop blaming books for people’s weak faith. Why is it we will put the blame everywhere but on ourselves. If we work hard to educate ourselves and others, no book in the entire world, no matter how fantastic and wonderful it is, could change people faith. Don’t blame others for failings that we have caused ourselves.

Historybrat

 

[edwest2]

No one is suggesting banning everything. And I think people are most profoundly affected by the behavior of others. Books are a factor, but the possible impact varies depending on what each individual expects from them. To put it another way, I will have to give an account of what I did in life. As a writer, I want to be able to give a good account.

God bless,
Ed

 

[Sr_Sally]

Absolutely fiction is influencial. As in non-fiction, because even history writers and newscasters have a point of view. As someone else said, if what we saw and read weren’t influencial than we wouldn’t see the ads we do today. Of course, no one is going to say “I bought these jeans because I know they’ll make me attractive to boys.” Or “I’m drinking this beer because a cheerleader might land in my lap”, but we are indeed influenced by those ads. The same is true of books and TV shows, especially those where the writer/producer has an agenda to push.

All that said, yes we do need to educate ourselves and those we are responsible for. We need to find out what the Church really teaches and what Christ truly said. Unfortunately those who do that are a small minority. We should be praying hard for the rest.

 

[Joe_5859]

Okay, I think some people are misunderstanding the point I was trying to make, so I will attempt to clarify…

I am not advocating book banning or hiding in a hole. I am not trying to say that a book or TV show or movie has to be free from error in order to read or watch. My music of choice is heavy metal for crying out loud! I’m not some sort of prude!

I’m also not saying that the “masses” are stupid and would blindly imitate whatever they see, trying to cast spells because of Harry Potter.

I’m simply making the point that fiction is influential, often in ways we don’t fully recognize. Thus, the argument that “It’s just fiction” doesn’t hold water.

Like Sr Sally said about advertisements, they work in a subtle way. Not that you really think drinking the beer will get you the girl, but you still buy the beer.

I still feel like I’m not being entirely clear, but hopefully that helps. It’s the best that I can do at this time of night!

 

[deb1]

But should we ban everything that could possibly negatively effect someone’s faith?

No one has suggested banning anything.

It seems to me that everytime someone attempts to critize a popular book, movie or song, someone else to begin to panic that the offending work will be banned.

Freedom of speech does not mean that ideas are free from criticism.

 

[WanderAimlessly]

When I bought an anti-Davinci Code book, I got the “But it’s just FICTION!..” line. I told the clerk that it defames Christianity it general and Catholicism specifically. He brushed my comment off. I should of stopped the sale and called for the manager of the store right then and there and there and file a complaint.

 

[Joe_5859]

When I bought an anti-Davinci Code book, I got the “But it’s just FICTION!..” line. I told the clerk that it defames Christianity it general and Catholicism specifically. He brushed my comment off. I should of stopped the sale and called for the manager of the store right then and there and there and file a complaint.

The fact that a book like “The DaVinci Code” have spawned an entire industry of anti-Da Vinci Code books just goes to prove that many people DO take it seriously, else those books would never sell. Not everyone knows enough about Church History to be able to sift fact from error in books like the Da Vinci Code. It doesn’t mean those people are stupid or “suckers”. We can’t all know eyerything about everything.

 

[Belle10]

This seems to be a familiar sentiment I’ve seen on several threads regarding Harry Potter, The Golden Compass, The Da Vinci Code, etc.

Does anyone really think that “fiction” means “a free license to say anything you want and be protected from any and all criticism”? Perhaps I misunderstand what people mean by saying “It’s just fiction”…

Fiction is very influential. An entire generation of people have a seed planted in their head that Christianity is a sham and Jesus married Mary Magdalene, thanks to Dan Brown. Will “The Da Vinci Code” shake the faith of a solidly formed Christian? Probably not. But there are millions of people who are NOT well-formed in their faith or have no faith whatsoever. This novel plants a seed of doubt that may prevent someone from embracing Christ.

I don’t see the problem in taking these issues seriously. Of course, we must be fair and honest about our criticisms. But I think that statements like “Lighten up, it’s just a book (or movie)” only serves to short circuit any genuine discussion of the issues.

I think everyone realizes that it is fiction. Pointing this out only makes it seem like you think the other person is too stupid to realize that. But fiction still has an impact on the way we think.

But maybe I’m wrong. Okay, I’ll get off my little soap box now. I guess I just need to get that out of my system. I feel better now!

Excellent points, I agree completely. Stay strong despite attacks.

In addition to everything you wrote, I would add this: why would we willingly and avidly engage in “entertainment” that is forbidden by God (witchcraft/sorcery, defiling the holiness of Jesus in suggesting He married Mary Magdalene, etc.)? It just doesn’t make sense to me, and when people say “it’s just entertainment” that seems like an excuse to do whatever they want without regard to what God wants. (Not saying I haven’t failed, because OF COURSE I’m a sinner, just making a point, and yes, I’ve read some of Dan Brown’s other books, and he’s an excellent author. Too bad he had to attack Jesus – that doesn’t sit well with me.)

 

[OutinChgoburbs]

Trashy romance novels and parts of Playboy are fiction, as well…Doesn’t make them moral…

 

[TomPiltoff]

Star Trek pure fiction yet it was written with the intent of changing society. It deliberatly cast the crew to be multi-cultural and It had the first interracial kiss. It inflluenced society in a very positive way.

This series was fiction and if you say it didn’t influence generations than you don’t live in this world. We are influenced by a host of things . If that were not true, there would be no adds. Many fiction writers write to influence I could name off many who did. It is fiction to say otherwise.

Right, and when you look at it in a positive way it’s good.

But what if some Christians were saying “Star Trek is sin! Everybody knows God created man and ONLY man! All these aliens walking and talking like men! Blasphemy! Boycott Star Trek!”, wouldn’t you see the downfall of taking fiction too seriously?

When I bought an anti-Davinci Code book, I got the “But it’s just FICTION!..” line. I told the clerk that it defames Christianity it general and Catholicism specifically. He brushed my comment off. I should of stopped the sale and called for the manager of the store right then and there and there and file a complaint.

A complaint of what?

 

[deb1]

Right, and when you look at it in a positive way it’s good.

But what if some Christians were saying “Star Trek is sin! Everybody knows God created man and ONLY man! All these aliens walking and talking like men! Blasphemy! Boycott Star Trek!”, wouldn’t you see the downfall of taking fiction too seriously?

A complaint of what?

I would listen to their arguments and make an informed decision based on what I heard. I may or may not agree with them(I am a Star Trek fan). Even people on the fringe have a right to debate their viewpoint.

I think that the poster was saying that she should have filed a complaint because it wasn’t up to the store clerk to dissuade her from buying a book and giving her money to the store.

 

[edwest2]

Right, and when you look at it in a positive way it’s good.

But what if some Christians were saying “Star Trek is sin! Everybody knows God created man and ONLY man! All these aliens walking and talking like men! Blasphemy! Boycott Star Trek!”, wouldn’t you see the downfall of taking fiction too seriously?

A complaint of what?

Do you know of any Christians saying Star Trek is sin? I mean, I know this is just an example, but there’s a big difference between cartoons, aliens on TV (we all know which actors get to play them on Star Trek, for example) and what we believe to be actual facts as Christians. Unless you accept the caricature that all Christians go off on seeing anything that even ever so slightly might impact their faith. I’m referring to adults here, not kids.

God bless,
Ed