Well, I finally picked up a copy of the book everyone’s been raving about. After reading several negative reviews, I had decided that I wouldn’t waste the money, but I kept running across blogs that had nothing but praise for the novel and curiosity got the best of me. That, and I thought perhaps I could put my discernment skills to the test.
So now that I’ve read it, what’s my reaction? I don’t think it’s a story for children. I was quite put off by The Missy Project – and the idea that this book “offers one of the most poignant views of God and how he relates to humanity that has been written in our time.” Seriously? It’s a work of fiction!
Not that it isn’t a good piece of fiction. But therein lies “The Great Sadness.” People are reading this fictional story about a fictional god and claiming that they’re finding within its pages a life-changing experience, a better understanding of God’s love, even a deeper relationship with God. Huh?
Then, when error after error is pointed out, they rush to defend the book, claiming “It is fiction, you know. It wasn’t intended to be a theology book.” Can’t have it both ways, folks.
The author discusses his main character’s theological issues and suggests that “Nobody wanted God in a box, just a book.” How ’bout we slap a dress on him/her, stick her in the kitchen and call her “Papa”? That’ll fix your theological errors. Sno ’nuff.
2 Comments
October 18, 2008 at 11:11 pm
I haven’t read it. Probably won’t. For all the reasons you talk about here. I’m very suspicious of any book or movement that gets people that riled–distracting them from the true and inspired Word of God. (It’s not like this book pointed people to the Word or the Christ, did it?)
Sooooo glad to see you back blogging, Brenda!
October 20, 2008 at 12:56 am
Hey, Brenda! Glad you are back. I was thinking about you just the other day.
Haven’t read the book. Most likely won’t. Thanks for your perspective!