Literary Apologetics

[scameter]

For most of my life, I have been a creative type of person, specifically towards writing stories, inventing fantasy worlds and their histories, even trying to have innovative insights into things such as science and philosophy. And as a Catholic (I’m currently in RCIA), I am still driven to create, and feel bored if I am not creating something. Since my favourite form of creating is writing, and my main spiritual desire is to practice evangelical apologetics, i.e. actively going out and being apologetical, I have contemplated trying to combine these two things. Basically, my idea is to write stories that convey Catholic ideas, show situations and offer Catholic solutions to them, illustrate problems that people have and try to give Catholic answers to them, etc. Is what I’m asking with this topic is twofold: for one, what do you think about this fundamental idea? And for two, if you like the idea, what sort of story should I write in this vain, such as a fantasy story that implicitly evangelizes, or perhaps a story set in the real-world but maybe in the future or something? Any help would be appreciated.

 

[BenM]

Sounds like a great idea! Maybe you could have each different story set in a different time period (the Chuch past, present and future) or something? It might be easier to set a fictional/fantasy story in a real-world setting, using common situations in that time period to make your point.

I feel the same myself actually, except I’ve always tended more towards artwork and drawings - I feel like I’m drawn to create religious art.

 

[scameter]

Thanks for replying. And thanks for the support too, your ideas sound good. It probably would be easier to set it in the real world. One idea I have, and that I’ve actually written a couple chapters of, is the Church in 2300 AD. I even wrote a timeline between 2100 and 2300. And my goal with the story was/is to show modern non-Catholic people, particularly ultra-liberal people who want to sin freely and make everything legal, what the world would be like if their beliefs were followed by everyone - somewhat like Rome was at it’s end. What do you/everyone think about this idea? The only reason I have considered having a fantasy or sci-fi story set in a completely different world is because then, I could implicitly, rather than blatantly, express Catholic truths and solutions to situations and problems. Somewhat like Tolkien did with his stories. But, I’ll think about it. And I’m happy that you like to create too my friend. I wouldn’t mind seeing some of your work.

 

[BenM]

Maybe you could do a little sample writing of each major idea you have and see what feels best and seems most practical for a full story? You can try stuff out then, plus you get the excuse of being creative with every idea that pops in your head.

I think as soon as I get some decent pieces done I’ll get some opinions here on the CAF - I’ll let you know when I do. When you have more done I’d like to see some of your work, too!

 

[justbeinfrank]

You guys will be interested in Dappled Things, a new magazine that publishes work of emerging Catholic writers. I know they’re always looking for new submissions.

 

[scameter]

BenM: That’s a very good idea. I think I’ll like write one chapter or something of any literature ideas I get, contemplate how the full story would be, and see if I like it or not. And I’d love to send you some of my writing. I’ve posted it on a site called writing.com, the first chapter sample of a futuristic dystopian story I’ve been contemplating, and some older stories of mine. Here’s a link: writing.com/main/view_item/user_id/scameter

Feel free anyone who uses the link to give me feedback, here on in a private message.

A new story idea I have that I’m going to write up a sample for, or perhaps research a while, is a science fiction story, set in a completely imaginary galaxy, that is a sort of Catholic allegory, as I described before in this topic, trying to show Catholic ideas and solutions to problems without actually calling them Catholic. I don’t have a particular story yet; just been thinking about how the world would be moreso. But I’ll keep contemplating it. Thanks for all the advice and support everyone.