Thank you for sharing your convictions about biblical fiction books. Personally I have enjoyed the genre. I agree that at the end of the day we should hold everything we read, watch and listen to the standard of God’s word. 💜
I have a different perspective on this. Imagination is a gift from God, and in fact, I would go so far as to say that it is THE gift that eventually unlocks our faith. Without imagination, we cannot conceive of anything beyond what we experience with our five senses, and therefore would have no way of understanding the supernatural and the spiritual. And beyond helping our spiritual understanding, imagination helps develop empathy and compassion. What is beneficial about any kind of fiction, including biblical fiction, is that it develops our imagination muscles. Some of us - not me! - are more gifted in the ability to imagine a set of circumstances, asking "what if" questions and exploring a situation beyond the bare facts. I always appreciate the pastors and writers who can read the words on the page of the Bible and imagine themselves in that scenario, ask what if questions and truly explore more deeply into what the Bible is saying. Because my own imagination is often so bound by reality, I always learn something new and gain fresh insight into God's Word when other people help me out by sharing what they imagine. In particular, I remember reading a book about Job that just blew me away. The author's research was impeccable - detailed and consistent with the time and place and with Scripture itself. Her author's note clearly delineated what was known to be true, what was assumed and why it was assumed, and what was her own imagination. Her book brought Job's story to life in a way I had not been able to experience with my own imagination and it illuminated for me what was already in Scripture. So my position personally is that Biblical fiction (or historical fiction) is not wrong in and of itself. It is not inherently wrong to imagine ourselves in a Biblical scenario and wonder how we would respond or why things turned out the way they did, or to research and discover what led up to the specific scenario described. In fact, I think all of that is not only not wrong, it is healthy and good and worthwhile. The problem comes when people are not discerning. It's usually pretty clear to me when reading Biblical fiction what is strictly Biblical, what has been rightfully imagined, and where the author may have gone off the rails and departed from Scripture. I guess the question for me is not whether Biblical fiction is right or wrong, but is it done well? And there are two parts to this - the author must be very precise in their study and application of Scripture, and must communicate CLEARLY to the reading audience what is strictly Biblical in the story and what is not. And the reader must ALWAYS read (every book, not just Biblical fiction) with discernment and clarity, and not take it as Gospel truth. There is no Gospel truth aside from the Word of God, and every book of every kind must be held up against it. Now.... I say all this but truthfully I have only read a handful of Biblical fiction. It's not a genre I gravitate towards, so I'm not saying any of this from a place of being a fan or even as someone who enjoys it on a regular basis. I just know that it CAN be done well in a God-honoring way.
This was such an interesting and honest take on biblical fiction! I really appreciate how you explained your perspective-it was so thoughtful and engaging. If you improve your video SEO with strong keywords, detailed descriptions, and an attention-grabbing thumbnail, your content could definitely reach a larger audience. You have such great insights, and I’m sure more views and subscribers are just around the corner. Keep up the fantastic work!
I watched The Chosen when I was a Mormon and loved it then. My Mormon family love it. I still think it’s well done, but I decided not to watch it anymore after watching an episode that went completely off storyline and I realized that if I hadn’t been in my Bible so much the last couple of years I would have never known. I’ve had family members talk about characters and how much they love them and their story and I’ve had to say you do realize that’s not a real person right? And they didn’t know. I honestly at this point in my life, with what I’ve learned and with my background cannot get behind anything that has theology in it if Mormons are involved. I can enjoy movies and books and everything else- some of my favorite authors are Mormon, but if theology is involved I know that the false gospel will be put in. So the fact that I know they film it on a set owned and built by the Mormon church, has Mormons involved in the cast and writers, etc… I just can’t do it anymore.
@@CandlewickLibrary 100% agree! Josh and I can’t touch things with any Mormon theology in it either w/ his background. My biggest hurdle has been trying to explain the dangers to fellow Christian’s who don’t know Mormonism well. They just don’t get it and take it very lightly and it makes it hard and sad for us but🤷♀️
I thought I was the only one 😅 I don’t like reading anything that is fiction that has a known real person as the main character. I don’t mind if the person shows up in scenes, but I always am taken out of the story knowing that we then think of that person as the person in the fictional book. And with Bible character I am even more adamant about it. The only exception for me is when it is inspired by it (like Bark of the Bog owl is inspired by the story of David) because it’s using the story as inspiration but not telling it as if it really happened.
I couldn't agree with this more. I was gifted a biblical fiction book years ago, and I only read one part of it, and put it down. It just made me feel weird. I agree with letting God's word be the only source for our understanding of the stories. It, in a way, feels like we're adding to scripture (I know that's different from actually adding to it, but you get the gist), and I'm just not okay with that.
Your example of Hamilton- yes! I enjoy Hamilton but I can name a couple of things in the musical that weren’t accurate. Like the Schuyler sisters not having brothers…. But I knew that beforehand. A lot watching it don’t know what is and isn’t accurate.
@@CandlewickLibrary right? Everyone loves Hamilton now😅 but my dad was a history buff and he can’t stand Hamilton and a lot of what he did, gotta know the truth behind things😅
Glad you made this video! Wouldn't Biblical fiction technically be adding to the Bible? And if people read Revelation they definitely wouldn't want that. Idk just kinda sounds like it is 🤷♀️
Think the only time I read any biblical fiction was a sourcebook about different nations and the way they made war, they’d have short stories at the beginning of it and some of them are like random people fighting in biblical battles (think battle of Jericho), and I didn’t mind that, but it was also meant to point you to the word and enhance your understanding of the Bible, probably wouldn’t like it any other way lol
I really enjoyed both ‘Titus a comrade of the cross’ and ‘Joal a boy of Galilee’. They both helped give an understanding of what the way of life/culture was like in Jesus time. While Jesus was not the main character, He was in the story, but never doing anything except what was written about Him in the Bible.
@@heidia.8097 I’ve never heard of those, but I personally can & prefer to learn about the life and culture in that time through other means that don’t add fiction in to a Bible story. Appreciate you watching and sharing your thoughts!🫶
Although I don't hold the same conviction about biblical fiction, I do appreciate you sharing your controversial opinion. However, i have been on the fence about The Chosen for a while now because I've jeard lots and lots of things that make me question it. I still havent decided what my opinion is on it.
Thank you for taking the time to watch! I can understand that. I personally would not recommend it. But I would encourage everyone to pray on it and look to the Word when trying to decide things like this.🙏
I’ve had similar reservations about the Chosen. I commend you for standing firm in your desire to please God. I have two questions. I take it that the video is about fictionalized versions of the Bible’s events. I was just wondering if you have any thoughts about: a) Biblical allegories, like A Tale of Three Kings, that are fictionalized with a specific goal of illustrating themes, and b) Biblical retelling, which take the basics of a Biblical event and adapt them in a different setting. I’m especially wondering about these because I’ve considered writing them and have brainstormed a few. Examples include a modern-day Ruth retelling about a widowed lawyer moving to a small town with her mother-in-law, or a King David and King Saul retelling where David is interning at a tech company and Saul is the CEO. I get excited about writing these, but I want to glorify God above all. So I guess I’m asking, do you think it’s okay to write these retellings, since they’re in such a different setting that they aren’t likely to make people get confused with the actual Scriptures? (ETA: I’m not going to get offended at whatever you say. And I know I ultimately need to seek God’s guidance.)
@@bunbacheso I personally love Biblical allegories, I feel like we can get such rich knowledge & comparisons without taking the stories from the Bible and adding fiction that way. The biblical retellings, I’ve never personally looked into myself. So I’m not completely sure what my stance is on that. My immediate thought is it seems kind of like it would be a middle ground between the biblical fiction and allegories for me. But I’d have to look into it more and do more research. Sorry I don’t have a complete answer there. I so appreciate you watching, commenting & asking my opinion though, so kind of you, I’m honored!🫶 Hope you have a lovely rest of your day💗
From my perspective, the Bible itself is primarily fiction with a few historical facts intertwined. However, if someone wants to believe in the literal existence of talking snakes and the like in the distant past, it's no skin off my nose.
Can I ask where your definition of Biblical Fiction comes from? The only reason I'm asking is that a lot of what I read growing up that I would have called Biblical Fiction doesn't seem to count, because it doesn't deal with the "main" characters. Like, one of my favorite books in my teens was one about Pilate's niece and a Roman centurion (not the one at the crucifixion, but one just after) who has to investigate what actually happened at Jesus' tomb, and navigate the political rivalry between Pilate and Herod. The apostles are referenced, but not really interacted with. (In later books there is some interaction with the apostles, but it's mostly just paraphrases of things that they said in the Bible.) So maybe that counts as historical fiction set in Biblical times, not Biblical Fiction, maybe? I'm just confused where the line falls now.
@@katherinec2759 just a google search, I got and used the definition from 4 different sites that came up, I believe. Until I got a good understanding of what different sources all classified as biblical fiction.
@@susang1227 what ancient fiction are you referring to in the Bible? The only fiction I recall is the parables Jesus tells. If you’re referring to it as a whole, that’s blatantly false. There’s more proof & accuracy of the truth of & in the Bible than there is that Shakespeare even existed.
Your example of Hamilton- yes! I enjoy Hamilton but I can name a couple of things in the musical that weren’t accurate. Like the Schuyler sisters not having brothers…. But I knew that beforehand. A lot watching it don’t know what is and isn’t accurate.
Thank you for sharing your convictions about biblical fiction books. Personally I have enjoyed the genre. I agree that at the end of the day we should hold everything we read, watch and listen to the standard of God’s word. 💜
@@ChrissiesPurpleLibrary thank you for watching! And yes, holding everything to God’s standard should always be the most important🙏
So refreshing to hear everyone’s perspectives on things 🫶🏻
@@BeYOUtifulBooks Yes! Thanks for watching girl🫶
I have a different perspective on this. Imagination is a gift from God, and in fact, I would go so far as to say that it is THE gift that eventually unlocks our faith. Without imagination, we cannot conceive of anything beyond what we experience with our five senses, and therefore would have no way of understanding the supernatural and the spiritual. And beyond helping our spiritual understanding, imagination helps develop empathy and compassion. What is beneficial about any kind of fiction, including biblical fiction, is that it develops our imagination muscles. Some of us - not me! - are more gifted in the ability to imagine a set of circumstances, asking "what if" questions and exploring a situation beyond the bare facts. I always appreciate the pastors and writers who can read the words on the page of the Bible and imagine themselves in that scenario, ask what if questions and truly explore more deeply into what the Bible is saying. Because my own imagination is often so bound by reality, I always learn something new and gain fresh insight into God's Word when other people help me out by sharing what they imagine. In particular, I remember reading a book about Job that just blew me away. The author's research was impeccable - detailed and consistent with the time and place and with Scripture itself. Her author's note clearly delineated what was known to be true, what was assumed and why it was assumed, and what was her own imagination. Her book brought Job's story to life in a way I had not been able to experience with my own imagination and it illuminated for me what was already in Scripture.
So my position personally is that Biblical fiction (or historical fiction) is not wrong in and of itself. It is not inherently wrong to imagine ourselves in a Biblical scenario and wonder how we would respond or why things turned out the way they did, or to research and discover what led up to the specific scenario described. In fact, I think all of that is not only not wrong, it is healthy and good and worthwhile. The problem comes when people are not discerning. It's usually pretty clear to me when reading Biblical fiction what is strictly Biblical, what has been rightfully imagined, and where the author may have gone off the rails and departed from Scripture. I guess the question for me is not whether Biblical fiction is right or wrong, but is it done well? And there are two parts to this - the author must be very precise in their study and application of Scripture, and must communicate CLEARLY to the reading audience what is strictly Biblical in the story and what is not. And the reader must ALWAYS read (every book, not just Biblical fiction) with discernment and clarity, and not take it as Gospel truth. There is no Gospel truth aside from the Word of God, and every book of every kind must be held up against it.
Now.... I say all this but truthfully I have only read a handful of Biblical fiction. It's not a genre I gravitate towards, so I'm not saying any of this from a place of being a fan or even as someone who enjoys it on a regular basis. I just know that it CAN be done well in a God-honoring way.
@@insearchofwonder thank you for taking so much time to share your thoughts on the matter! I don’t agree but appreciate you sharing.
This was such an interesting and honest take on biblical fiction! I really appreciate how you explained your perspective-it was so thoughtful and engaging. If you improve your video SEO with strong keywords, detailed descriptions, and an attention-grabbing thumbnail, your content could definitely reach a larger audience. You have such great insights, and I’m sure more views and subscribers are just around the corner. Keep up the fantastic work!
@@SEOMaster-h2t Thank you! I appreciate the kind words and insight!🫶
@@booknerdktree If don't know how can do SEO, feel free to let me know
I watched The Chosen when I was a Mormon and loved it then. My Mormon family love it. I still think it’s well done, but I decided not to watch it anymore after watching an episode that went completely off storyline and I realized that if I hadn’t been in my Bible so much the last couple of years I would have never known. I’ve had family members talk about characters and how much they love them and their story and I’ve had to say you do realize that’s not a real person right? And they didn’t know.
I honestly at this point in my life, with what I’ve learned and with my background cannot get behind anything that has theology in it if Mormons are involved. I can enjoy movies and books and everything else- some of my favorite authors are Mormon, but if theology is involved I know that the false gospel will be put in. So the fact that I know they film it on a set owned and built by the Mormon church, has Mormons involved in the cast and writers, etc… I just can’t do it anymore.
@@CandlewickLibrary 100% agree! Josh and I can’t touch things with any Mormon theology in it either w/ his background. My biggest hurdle has been trying to explain the dangers to fellow Christian’s who don’t know Mormonism well. They just don’t get it and take it very lightly and it makes it hard and sad for us but🤷♀️
I thought I was the only one 😅 I don’t like reading anything that is fiction that has a known real person as the main character. I don’t mind if the person shows up in scenes, but I always am taken out of the story knowing that we then think of that person as the person in the fictional book. And with Bible character I am even more adamant about it. The only exception for me is when it is inspired by it (like Bark of the Bog owl is inspired by the story of David) because it’s using the story as inspiration but not telling it as if it really happened.
@@CandlewickLibrary haha nope! Your not alone girl ;)
Yeah, I’ve read a few kinda like that too.
I couldn't agree with this more. I was gifted a biblical fiction book years ago, and I only read one part of it, and put it down. It just made me feel weird.
I agree with letting God's word be the only source for our understanding of the stories. It, in a way, feels like we're adding to scripture (I know that's different from actually adding to it, but you get the gist), and I'm just not okay with that.
@@Tori_Jane Yes, exactly! Awesome to find others who feel the same way on this subject!🥰
I agree with you about biblical fiction 100%.
@@MoniquetheBookGeek love finding others who have the same thoughts on this!💗
Your example of Hamilton- yes! I enjoy Hamilton but I can name a couple of things in the musical that weren’t accurate. Like the Schuyler sisters not having brothers…. But I knew that beforehand. A lot watching it don’t know what is and isn’t accurate.
@@CandlewickLibrary right? Everyone loves Hamilton now😅 but my dad was a history buff and he can’t stand Hamilton and a lot of what he did, gotta know the truth behind things😅
Glad you made this video!
Wouldn't Biblical fiction technically be adding to the Bible? And if people read Revelation they definitely wouldn't want that. Idk just kinda sounds like it is 🤷♀️
@@McKenzieMackieMac of course! Thanks for the inspiration sis!😉
Yupppp
Think the only time I read any biblical fiction was a sourcebook about different nations and the way they made war, they’d have short stories at the beginning of it and some of them are like random people fighting in biblical battles (think battle of Jericho), and I didn’t mind that, but it was also meant to point you to the word and enhance your understanding of the Bible, probably wouldn’t like it any other way lol
@@joshuariding3144 was that in your school? I’m not recalling. You’ll have to tell me more about that sometime☺️
Land of silence by Tessa afshar is the biblical fiction about the woman who bled
@@KristinaM193 yes, that’s it! Thank you!
I really enjoyed both ‘Titus a comrade of the cross’ and ‘Joal a boy of Galilee’. They both helped give an understanding of what the way of life/culture was like in Jesus time. While Jesus was not the main character, He was in the story, but never doing anything except what was written about Him in the Bible.
@@heidia.8097 I’ve never heard of those, but I personally can & prefer to learn about the life and culture in that time through other means that don’t add fiction in to a Bible story.
Appreciate you watching and sharing your thoughts!🫶
Although I don't hold the same conviction about biblical fiction, I do appreciate you sharing your controversial opinion.
However, i have been on the fence about The Chosen for a while now because I've jeard lots and lots of things that make me question it. I still havent decided what my opinion is on it.
Thank you for taking the time to watch!
I can understand that. I personally would not recommend it. But I would encourage everyone to pray on it and look to the Word when trying to decide things like this.🙏
I’ve had similar reservations about the Chosen. I commend you for standing firm in your desire to please God.
I have two questions. I take it that the video is about fictionalized versions of the Bible’s events. I was just wondering if you have any thoughts about:
a) Biblical allegories, like A Tale of Three Kings, that are fictionalized with a specific goal of illustrating themes, and
b) Biblical retelling, which take the basics of a Biblical event and adapt them in a different setting. I’m especially wondering about these because I’ve considered writing them and have brainstormed a few. Examples include a modern-day Ruth retelling about a widowed lawyer moving to a small town with her mother-in-law, or a King David and King Saul retelling where David is interning at a tech company and Saul is the CEO. I get excited about writing these, but I want to glorify God above all. So I guess I’m asking, do you think it’s okay to write these retellings, since they’re in such a different setting that they aren’t likely to make people get confused with the actual Scriptures? (ETA: I’m not going to get offended at whatever you say. And I know I ultimately need to seek God’s guidance.)
@@bunbacheso I personally love Biblical allegories, I feel like we can get such rich knowledge & comparisons without taking the stories from the Bible and adding fiction that way.
The biblical retellings, I’ve never personally looked into myself. So I’m not completely sure what my stance is on that. My immediate thought is it seems kind of like it would be a middle ground between the biblical fiction and allegories for me. But I’d have to look into it more and do more research. Sorry I don’t have a complete answer there.
I so appreciate you watching, commenting & asking my opinion though, so kind of you, I’m honored!🫶 Hope you have a lovely rest of your day💗
From my perspective, the Bible itself is primarily fiction with a few historical facts intertwined. However, if someone wants to believe in the literal existence of talking snakes and the like in the distant past, it's no skin off my nose.
Honestly if someone is glorifying the disciples, I would question if they've even read the Gospels 🤦♀️
@@McKenzieMackieMac yeahhh🙃😂
Can I ask where your definition of Biblical Fiction comes from? The only reason I'm asking is that a lot of what I read growing up that I would have called Biblical Fiction doesn't seem to count, because it doesn't deal with the "main" characters.
Like, one of my favorite books in my teens was one about Pilate's niece and a Roman centurion (not the one at the crucifixion, but one just after) who has to investigate what actually happened at Jesus' tomb, and navigate the political rivalry between Pilate and Herod. The apostles are referenced, but not really interacted with. (In later books there is some interaction with the apostles, but it's mostly just paraphrases of things that they said in the Bible.)
So maybe that counts as historical fiction set in Biblical times, not Biblical Fiction, maybe? I'm just confused where the line falls now.
@@katherinec2759 just a google search, I got and used the definition from 4 different sites that came up, I believe. Until I got a good understanding of what different sources all classified as biblical fiction.
@@booknerdktree Huh. Guess it must fall under "historical fiction in Biblical times," then. Learn something new every day!
But the bible IS alreasy a compilation of ancient fiction and poetry.
@@susang1227 what ancient fiction are you referring to in the Bible? The only fiction I recall is the parables Jesus tells. If you’re referring to it as a whole, that’s blatantly false. There’s more proof & accuracy of the truth of & in the Bible than there is that Shakespeare even existed.
Your example of Hamilton- yes! I enjoy Hamilton but I can name a couple of things in the musical that weren’t accurate. Like the Schuyler sisters not having brothers…. But I knew that beforehand. A lot watching it don’t know what is and isn’t accurate.