[Eitan]

Hi everyone! English isn’t my native language so sorry if I write strangely 🙂

I write a fantasy novel (well, right now I am still outlining) about a wizard missionary that preaches to the barbarian tribes (it’s more complicated than what I wrote, but not all of the stuff is relevant to the topic I want to talk about, and I am well aware of the danger of being preachy). I want to create a ”fantasy-Christianity” that will at least somewhat unique – of course there will be a Jesus-like figure dying for the humanity, perfect God, and Satan-like figure(s), but I want also a religion which is at least somewhat unique. I thought to use somehow the metaphors of the water of life, or tree of life, but I don’t know how can a tree or spring die for someone’s sins…

Can you help me? Ideas, tips, pink sheep, anything will be thankfully accepted.

Happy Easter / Passover! 😀

You don't need to see the wind itself in order to hear the rustling leaves.

[claire]

@eitan Hi Eitan! I can relate to your dilemma…. It’s so hard to write an accurate fantasy version of Christianity, while trying to make it unique at the same time. I’ve actually been working through that recently myself. It’s a daunting task for sure!

As far as suggestions go… I like your idea of using metaphors, but yes, it would be hard to use an inanimate object like a tree or a spring. How would you make it loving, intelligent, or able to communicate? I think when it comes to a God-like being, it’s important to make him as much like the true God as possible. Just because it can be dangerous if we get too creative… Maybe make a list of some of God’s attributes and then see how you can apply them to a unique being in your fantasy world. Personally, I think it’s safest to make your God figure a spiritual being instead of a physical one. Mainly because of God’s attribute of being omnipresent (being everywhere at the same time). Of course, you could still make your Redeemer figure take on a physical form.

But, if you are going for more of an allegorical feel, you could have some options such as applying God’s attributes to a king, or a similar majestic figure. (think Narnia and Aslan)

This topic is definitely one of the most difficult things to work through when writing fantasy and I am still trying to figure it out myself! But I hope this gives you a few things to think about. 🙂

a flower does not think of competing with the flower next to it.
it just blooms.

[Naiya Dyani]

@eitan Hi, nice to meet you! (Okay, I’m curious, what is your first language? I love languages. 😛 )

There was actually a thread that went over something like this a little while ago. I’ll link it here in case it helps.

https://storyembers.org/groups/fantasy-writers/forum/topic/depicting-god-in-fantasy/

Hearts are like matter--they can be beaten down, torn, and burned, but they cannot be destroyed.

[Eitan]

Nice to meet you two too! 🙂
And thank you very much!

Okay, I’m curious, what is your first language? I love languages.

Hebrew. I was sure that the mention of Passover was a very thick clue 😉

@claire-h
Hmm, I like the idea of listing God’s attributes.

Maybe a talking fruit tree, which’s fruits cure every sickness, that was cut down by the evil king and his pagan priests, and three days later grew again? It can be interesting. Maybe the believers of that tree of life use the ax as their symbol (like the cross in Christianity – even though Jewish believers in Jesus use the fish, so maybe our fictional believers view also some kind of fruit as their symbol?).

You don't need to see the wind itself in order to hear the rustling leaves.

[claire]

@eitan That idea with the tree does sound interesting… 🙂 I like it the idea of it being cut down and then growing again in three days.

@naiya-dyani I’ll have to check out that thread too! Thanks for linking it.

a flower does not think of competing with the flower next to it.
it just blooms.

[Naiya Dyani]

@eitan 😛 Well, my family celebrates Passover, too, to an extent. Not like a full-on traditional Passover, but we do go through it. It’s very interesting. I love seeing the ties between the Passover and Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection.

Anyways, that’s really cool! Do you happen to know any languages besides Hebrew and English? I’m interested in Japanese and ASL (American Sign Language) and can manage to get a point across in Spanish. XD

Hearts are like matter--they can be beaten down, torn, and burned, but they cannot be destroyed.

[Eitan]

I don’t know how off topic we’re allowed to be there… It seems that there is another thread about introducing ourselves, right?

You don't need to see the wind itself in order to hear the rustling leaves.

[Naiya Dyani]

@eitan 😛 Yup! It’s not too big a deal. But definitely, start an introduction thread! It’s a great way to get to know some people to start with.

Hearts are like matter--they can be beaten down, torn, and burned, but they cannot be destroyed.

[Author]

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