A lot of genre fiction has some sort of religion in it, especially fantasy. There is just something about the magic systems that seem to revolve around religion. I tend to avoid putting in any kind of religion, especially real world religions. At this point in my writing career I don’t feel confident enough to pull it off with any sort of finesse. For the most part I avoid it completely. I’m a religious person and I like reading about well-crafted religions in fiction, but that’s the key. They can’t be half formed and change with the plot line as the author needs a deus ex machina. I think Brandon Sanderson’s books are really good examples of how religion plays an important role and you can tell that he put a lot of effort into it. Take his book WARBREAKER, for example. They have a whole conclave of Gods who each have their own followers. There are different levels of belief from the devote to those who are only followers by convenience.
There are several reasons why adding religion can strengthen a book. People fighting for religious causes. Magic systems that revolve around religions. Political systems based on religions. Divine troubles. Religion breakoffs. Religion can be good bad, or even neutral, or any combination of the three depending on how your characters view it.
I will say that you have to be careful when putting in real world. There is a fine line to walk and you will always offend people, but it seems that every book offends at least one person. Just make sure that your religion follows its own rules.
Fantastic blog topic! I find it unrealistic (primarily in longer fantasy novels) to create entire cultures and worlds with no religion(s) of some type, even if only referenced in passing. It doesn't need to be a focal plot element, but ignoring it could be a mistake--depending on the story.
ReplyDeleteToo many people are too easily offended by too many things these days. Your advice is sound: make sure your religions, like your magic, doesn't break its own rules.
Welcome, and thanks for your comments. I am glad I am not the only one who feels that religion can play an important role.
DeleteI agree. The thing about religion is that it is in our daily lives to some extent whether we believe in it or not. Our lives are shaped and molded by it and because of this we can empathize with religious plights. Further a person offended by the religion you create in your book may love the book just for that reason because of how mad it makes them. When touch on the emotions of our readers, good or bad, then we have inspired them which makes for a good story. I also agree with what Jeff said about how easily offended people are. We all need to have a little thicker skins :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for your comments, Josh. I find it sad that people can be so offended by something that is obviously fantastic. I can understand people being miffed by authors mucking about with real world religions, but when the religion comes from an author's mind, that is all the more reason to find it fascinating.
Delete