We use libraries for entertainment and education. Poul Anderson's fiction entertains and educates. While appreciating his novels, we learn about science, history and mythology. In his time travel fiction, Anderson avoids the question of the truth or falsity of the historical claims of Christianity. His Time Patrol series is ambiguous. One time traveler, Carl Farness, cannot in honesty argue for Christ against paganism whereas it is possible that another Patrol agent is a devout Catholic. When Michael Moorcock writes a novel about a time traveler playing the role of Christ, we know that this is fiction.
However, when Dan Brown writes a novel based on an unorthodox interpretation of Christianity, he gives his readers the impression that this interpretation is soundly based and that his fiction exposes official falsehoods. It becomes necessary for other authors to refute Brown. See
here. We note that Poul Anderson expert Sandra Miesel became involved.
Fiction should at least entertain and hopefully also educate but should never mislead and it seems that Brown has done this. I welcome other views on Brown's works.
1 comment:
Kaor, Paul!
I think, for most of his life, Poul Anderson leaned toward the view of Christianity Carl Farness held. But Anderson did have respect for honest Christians, Catholic or Protestant. Albeit, I think he had a higher opinion of Catholicism than of Protestantism. And I got the impression from his later works that Anderson at least WISHED he believed in God. Or did he come to actually believe in God?
And I agree with what you said about Dan Brown, his works of fictions should be both entertaining and NOT misleading. If they are dishonest and misleading, they deserve to be dismissed. Unfortunately, I've actually heard of readers who BELIEVE what Brown said in his books.
I still kinda hope Sandra Miesel herself might drop and comment on some of the things we talk about here! But, a lady who will soon be 76 years old might prefer a quieter life.
Sean
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