Lord Of The Fantasies: Beyond The Swordfights
E. Stephen Burnett, Jan 26, 2012
In “The Lord of the Rings” films, elf-maiden Arwen almost joined the fight at Helm’s Deep, and King Aragorn almost dueled the dark lord Sauron. But the movie-makers chose otherwise. How come, and how does this show truly rare heroism?
Reviewing In The SF Library
E. Stephen Burnett, Jan 25, 2012
Anyone can submit a novel, likely with a review, using the Speculative Faith Library’s Submit a Novel feature. What other changes could aid the Library? How may grace-and-truth-minded reviewers best evaluate a work of fiction?
Beer Goggles
Fred Warren, Jan 24, 2012
Reality hasn’t changed, of course, but your perceptions have. You may be in for a rude surprise when the goggles come off.
The Inklings, Part 3 – J. K. Rowling, An Honorary Member?
Rebecca LuElla Miller, Jan 23, 2012
As early as 2000 John Granger, author of several books about Harry Potter, floated the idea that the creator of the series, J. K. Rowling, was at least an Inklings wanna-be. In part he debunks the idea that Rowling’s rise […]
Lord Of The Fantasies: The Nature Of Men
E. Stephen Burnett, Jan 19, 2012
Changes made from book-Faramir to film-Faramir, from “The Lord of the Rings,” reflect two approaches of showing human nature. Stories should reflect both: our bent toward sin and corruption, and our capacity to do good and act with nobility.
The “Alien Work” Of God Part VI
John Otte, Jan 18, 2012
Like I said two week ago, I’m not one to back down from a bad idea. And I have a feeling that this might be a bad idea. We’ll see. Of course, that’s only if this post makes it past […]
The Book Signing
Fred Warren, Jan 17, 2012
A mostly-fictional illustration of how reader feedback can be less than useful, and how we often get from a book mostly what we bring to it.
The Inklings, Part 2 – Who Are They
Rebecca LuElla Miller, Jan 16, 2012
The key to The Inklings was the double linchpins of their love of words and their love of Christ. But one other thing can’t be ignored. These men of letters lived in Oxford, a place that fostered academic pursuits. In other words, it was no accident that so many men interested in similar subjects were in the same location at the same time. Of course, in light of God’s sovereignty, we know it was no accident at all.
Inspiration
Brock D. Eastman, Jan 13, 2012
We are God’s creation, His greatest creation, and He made us in His image. By doing so He made us gifted to be creative like He was. Not only did He make us creative, but He surrounded us with things to inspire our creativity.
Lord Of The Fantasies: Beholding Middle-earth
E. Stephen Burnett, Jan 12, 2012
Because I first read “The Fellowship of the Ring” only days before seeing the film version, I did not have time to form interpretations of characters, or expectations. Thus, the film blew me away, no disappointments. But how might I have been disadvantaged?
Dark Is The Stain: Astrologers & Kings
Kaci Hill, Jan 11, 2012
O star of wonder, star of light Week before last, Fred posted a lovely entry on the Magi, who they were, and how these astrologers alone understood the infant Jesus for who he really was and took great pains to […]
The Inklings, Part 1 – News And Tidbits
Rebecca LuElla Miller, Jan 9, 2012
My recent series based on J. R. R. Tolkien’s lengthy essay “On Fairy-Stories” has renewed my interest in the group of scholars and writers known as the Inklings who famously met in the Oxford pub The Eagle and Child. Hence […]
Jesus Christ: Return Of The Warrior-King
A. T. Ross, Jan 6, 2012
Our stories may rightly emphasize Jesus the humble sacrifice for sin. But less often do our creations also explore Christ the conquering warrior.
Magic Realism, Part 3
C.L. Dyck, Jan 6, 2012
Christians are taught in no uncertain terms that our only two options are to rely firmly on a clear doctrinal framework, or discard it for the morass of experientialism. Neither is entirely reliable, and it’s for this reason, I’d suggest, that we walk by faith — not by sight.
Lord Of The Fantasies: Looking Back on ‘FotR’
E. Stephen Burnett, Jan 5, 2012
Ten years ago, “The Lord of the Rings” still sounded too “classical” to me. I had my Narnia. Why add another fantasy world? Then, before reading the books or seeing the film, I heard Howard Shore’s film score. And I was drawn into Middle-earth.
The “Alien Work” Of God Part V
John Otte, Jan 4, 2012
So last time, we sat at the foot of the master, C. S. Lewis, and discussed the theological underpinnings of his Space Trilogy. For those of you just joining us now (or who don’t feel like going back and reading […]
Fred’s 2012 Speculations
Fred Warren, Jan 3, 2012
I’m certainly not a prophet, and I have no desire to add to the predictive glut of the season, but this blog isn’t called Speculative Faith for nothing. So, today I’m offering a list of speculations for the coming year.
Wishing You A Happy New Year
Rebecca LuElla Miller, Jan 2, 2012
Due to the New Year’s Day holiday, there will be no post today. We here at Spec Faith wish each of you a blessed 2012. Our regular schedule of posts will resume tomorrow.
Jack And John In Conversation
Rebecca LuElla Miller, Dec 30, 2011
In lieu of our planned article, then, I offer you a fascinating dramatization of a dialogue between C. S. Lewis and J. R. R. Tolkien, with thanks to Fred Warren who found it and passed it along to me because of its relevance to the just concluded series on Tolkien’s essay “On Fairy-Stories.” Enjoy!
Participating In Media Is An Act Of Worship
Jared Moore, Dec 30, 2011
Might parents believe all humans are born sinners, yet live as if their children’s worst problem is outside worldly influences?
‘Hobbit’ Hopes and Other Happenings
E. Stephen Burnett, Dec 29, 2011
“The Hobbit” teaser finally arrives, Gandalf’s and Dumbledore’s first-century ancestors seek the newborn King, the dangers of appearance-based book discernment, Christmas un-specials, and: why should Christians hype “The Hobbit”?
Speculative Christmas, Part 5: A New Star
Fred Warren, Dec 27, 2011
Hold it…Christmas is over, right? Not so fast, pilgrim.
Christmas Un-Specials 2011
E. Stephen Burnett, Dec 27, 2011
Purely for fun and no profit, this year I made up a list of 50 holiday-related TV movies that (with a few exceptions) will never be produced — I hope.
The Making Of A Myth, Part 7 – Tolkien And The Gospel
Rebecca LuElla Miller, Dec 26, 2011
Few people, even those not well-versed in fantasy, will argue against the idea that J. R. R. Tolkien is the master of the fantasy genre. In that he wrote his thoughts about this type of tale in his essay “On […]
Wishing You All A Merry Christmas
Rebecca LuElla Miller, Dec 23, 2011
The Spec Faith regular contributors want to wish you a blessed Christmas. May you enjoy rich times with your family and wonderful worship of Christ, our Savior, Redeemer, and Lord.
The “Alien Work” Of God Part IV
John Otte, Dec 21, 2011
Okay, this is getting ridiculous. Not this blog series. At least, I hope none of you think that. But I’ve noticed a pattern. Whenever I sit down to write one of these columns, NASA announces that they’ve found more extra-solar planets.
Speculative Christmas, Part 4: A New Peace
Fred Warren, Dec 20, 2011
They don’t understand the real meaning of Christmas. Why won’t they stop meddling with it and leave us to mark the birth of our Savior in reverent contemplation?
The Making Of A Myth, Part 6 — Tolkien On Romance
Rebecca LuElla Miller, Dec 19, 2011
Would J. R. R. Tolkien, if he were alive today, be a fan of prairie romance? The question is appropriate because of what he wrote in his essay “On Fairy-Stories” regarding escapism.
The Restorer—Expanded Edition
Sharon Hinck, Dec 16, 2011
About the Book Susan Mitchell thought she was an ordinary homemaker. She was wrong. When she’s pulled through a portal into another world, she finds a nation grappling for its soul and waiting for a promised Restorer to save their […]
