Wondering about Catholicism and fiction writing

[esmero]

Depends on the movie.

Supernatural horror (such as the Stephen King films) is often OK (and, IIUC, Stephen King is Catholic).

“Human horror” that centers on psychopathic behavior (ie, SAW) is different. By helping such productions to make a profit, one acts to increase the level of interest in such activity.

IMNAAHO.

ICXC NIKA

Ah, I see. That makes sense. Good thing I don’t appreciate that kind of horror at all. Thanks.

 

[Kay_Cee]

I mean whether reading or writing about the occult, ghosts, paranormal, etc, ends up inviting demonic activity into one’s life. I ask because I come from a protestant background that pretty much believes that (I’m still converting to Catholicism).

If by that you mean issuing an invitation, then no. However, any good we perform (whether it is writing about God, praying for others, feeding the hungry) can bring on demonic attack. Just look at the lives of some saints, like Padre Pio or the Cure de Ars. I should hasten to add, though, that whenever God allows such things (and they never occur without Him allowing it), not only does He grant the grace to withstand it but such things always end up serving a higher purpose. In fact, that’s exactly what happens in the novel I gave you the link to.

So I can’t in all honesty tell you something like that can’t happen, but I would say the chances of it are extremely small.

The most important thing I seem to be getting from the responses is that I should NEVER misrepresent the Church in any way. Message received!

Thanks for the help, I’m checking out your book

Hope you enjoy it!

 

[edwest2]

These are the guidelines which the Catholic Writers Guild uses to determine whether or not a book is eligible for the award. I understand that you are not applying for the award, but it should give you an idea of what is acceptable as a Catholic work of fiction :

It does not contradict nor disparage Catholic teaching

It does not speak disparagingly of an accepted Catholic practice
(such as Novus Ordo Mass or Tridentine Mass) nor give the impression
that only a particular Catholic practice is the right way to salvation.

It does not support heresies or New Age

Is the work libelous or slanderous?

Does the work seek to foster hatred or conflict among individuals or
groups, including racism, religious fanaticism, or anarchy?

Does this work contain obscenity or promote anti-Catholic views of
modesty, decency in language, actions, or basic morality?

Does this work contain pornography?

Does this work promote premarital, extramarital, or other
non-marital sexual relationships?

Does this work degrade the dignity of the person, including the
promotion of euthanasia, abortion, homosexual actions or unions, child
labor, or prostitution?

Does this work promote the worship of false gods?

Does this work attempt to draw others away from the orthodox
teachings of the universal Catholic Church?

Thank you,
Ed

 

[edwest2]

I’d read that! Thanks.

You’re welcome.

Ed

 

[edwest2]

That makes sense, thank you. My intent would be to be a writer who happens to be Catholic, but I wouldn’t want to be an obstacle to the faith of others in any way.

As for the short stories, are they published anywhere? I had a similar idea for a series of stories as well, and it was one of the reasons I asked this question! I have other things I want to write first, but if possible I’d like to take a look to make sure I’m not copying anyone.

There are always going to be similar ideas and similar elements. Robots are everywhere in science fiction but there’s a big difference between C-3PO and the Terminator. See? A witch, for example, can be the old hag type or an attractive woman.

Your mind is in the right place but scary stories have devolved over the years. Before, you could tell scary stories minus the graphic buckets of blood, body parts and strange words being spoken out loud. Or torture.

There has been an almost straight line drop into the abyss as the decades passed, and you are right to be cautious. Today, the average person is tempted by what is called the New Age which includes divination and other things that can lead to demonic possession. I don’t want to be too specific but I’ve researched this and it’s a problem. A real problem. Demonic beings are now called “spirit guides,” and there are books about “real” witchcraft. Satan has not ended his work. So make sure your bad guys are clearly bad and doing wrong, and your heroes are really good, principled people. Yes, they will have to put up a fight against evil, and evil should never appear to be a good thing. In most stories like this, the heroes will experience setbacks, and evil appears to be winning and more powerful, but in the end, it loses, or is driven away.

Hope this helps,
Ed

 

[esmero]

There are always going to be similar ideas and similar elements. Robots are everywhere in science fiction but there’s a big difference between C-3PO and the Terminator. See? A witch, for example, can be the old hag type or an attractive woman.

Your mind is in the right place but scary stories have devolved over the years. Before, you could tell scary stories minus the graphic buckets of blood, body parts and strange words being spoken out loud. Or torture.

There has been an almost straight line drop into the abyss as the decades passed, and you are right to be cautious. Today, the average person is tempted by what is called the New Age which includes divination and other things that can lead to demonic possession. I don’t want to be too specific but I’ve researched this and it’s a problem. A real problem. Demonic beings are now called “spirit guides,” and there are books about “real” witchcraft. Satan has not ended his work. So make sure your bad guys are clearly bad and doing wrong, and your heroes are really good, principled people. Yes, they will have to put up a fight against evil, and evil should never appear to be a good thing. In most stories like this, the heroes will experience setbacks, and evil appears to be winning and more powerful, but in the end, it loses, or is driven away.

Hope this helps,
Ed

Absolutely. I’m always concerned with the message I’m sending, with how what I’m saying can be perverted etc. But I do like to keep it realistic, which means that the battle of good and evil can be subtle, but it does point to good as the winner, if the reader is properly primed to perceive it (and it’s my job to prime the reader, so I work hard at it).