You Can't Handle The Truth
Thanks for your comments Camy & Gina. Indeed, making sure that the framework of the story and the foundation of the spirituality mesh is always a tricky procedure.
Which is one reason why I took the time to make sure that the “Christianity” of Sauria was firmly enmeshed with the world and its history. In doing so, it let spiritual aspects arise not only from characters but from world history and events itself.
By the time I began work on Starfire I already knew most of the basics about how their version of Christianity had come about. The choosing of the “chosen people”, some of the major world changing events, and the current air of religious tolerance within the regions affected by the story.
And so I didn’t think about it much when actually forming the plot for Starfire since so much of what the book’s plot dealt with would actually bi-sect with the spiritual events of the past, present and future, even if the main characters had little to no clue about exactly how or even that it was happening.
Starfire, when first began was simply the telling of a young soldier, caught up into world events he wasn’t equipped to understand. You see, Rathe is destined to fulfill a prophecy that was made. But unlike most characters in Sci-fi or Fantasy tales who are destined to fulfill a prophecy, he knows nothing about it.
Rathe has gone through his life with only one purpose, to rise out of the social status he was hatched into. No mysterious mentor appeared to guide him to the truth. Most believers of the time aren’t even all that familiar with the prophecy. And even those who are in the know can’t operate with total impunity due to their persecuted status within the Karn Empire.
And of course the forces of darkness aren’t just lying still and keeping quiet during this time. But they aren’t totally obvious about their influence either (unless you know what to look for).
But all of this is going on in the background. Coming at this story from Rathe’s point of view, all you see is his quest to save his Empire, and his slow realization that there may be more to his eventual choice than it seems.
Out of this plotline the basic theme emerged, spurred on by the interaction of the characters. The basic theme (that I see in it) that materialized?
How can one do right if they do not know what is true?
Or
No matter how noble your intentions, if you reject the truth, you can do no good.
Or if you want to go to Scripture:
“There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death.” Prov. 14:12
How well does this theme come across? Dunno yet. Haven’t heard much feedback on it yet. ;)
There is a secondary theme within the story though that I did place on purpose.
We’ll talk about that one next time.
Which is one reason why I took the time to make sure that the “Christianity” of Sauria was firmly enmeshed with the world and its history. In doing so, it let spiritual aspects arise not only from characters but from world history and events itself.
By the time I began work on Starfire I already knew most of the basics about how their version of Christianity had come about. The choosing of the “chosen people”, some of the major world changing events, and the current air of religious tolerance within the regions affected by the story.
And so I didn’t think about it much when actually forming the plot for Starfire since so much of what the book’s plot dealt with would actually bi-sect with the spiritual events of the past, present and future, even if the main characters had little to no clue about exactly how or even that it was happening.
Starfire, when first began was simply the telling of a young soldier, caught up into world events he wasn’t equipped to understand. You see, Rathe is destined to fulfill a prophecy that was made. But unlike most characters in Sci-fi or Fantasy tales who are destined to fulfill a prophecy, he knows nothing about it.
Rathe has gone through his life with only one purpose, to rise out of the social status he was hatched into. No mysterious mentor appeared to guide him to the truth. Most believers of the time aren’t even all that familiar with the prophecy. And even those who are in the know can’t operate with total impunity due to their persecuted status within the Karn Empire.
And of course the forces of darkness aren’t just lying still and keeping quiet during this time. But they aren’t totally obvious about their influence either (unless you know what to look for).
But all of this is going on in the background. Coming at this story from Rathe’s point of view, all you see is his quest to save his Empire, and his slow realization that there may be more to his eventual choice than it seems.
Out of this plotline the basic theme emerged, spurred on by the interaction of the characters. The basic theme (that I see in it) that materialized?
How can one do right if they do not know what is true?
Or
No matter how noble your intentions, if you reject the truth, you can do no good.
Or if you want to go to Scripture:
“There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death.” Prov. 14:12
How well does this theme come across? Dunno yet. Haven’t heard much feedback on it yet. ;)
There is a secondary theme within the story though that I did place on purpose.
We’ll talk about that one next time.
posted by Stuart at 9:42 AM
2 Comments:
I think that's an excellent theme, to show how people only try to do what they think is right, but that ultimately, God's way is better. My book is loosely based on that, too.
Camy
Ohhhh, Maaaaaan, Stuart, your post brought tears to my eyes. I'm going to have to find tons of nice things to say about your work next Tuesday night at Crit. I may bring you a plate of cookies. I may bring you a cake, or would you rather have brownies. Sheesh! Stuart! You made me feel all warm and fuzzy and I am going to get you back with calories!
And he is right! I love bunny sightings.
Post a Comment
<< Home