What is true? Biblical Fiction? by Brendan Conboy

 

I might receive some criticism for this blog. Once again, I am thinking about Biblical fiction and how far we should add to scripture (if at all). I understand that ‘Midrash’ is the Hebrew word meaning, ‘putting flesh on the bones.’ So, how much flesh is acceptable? An author may focus on a Bible short story and write a series of books using rampant imagination. They may look at themes of forgiveness and redemption, sin and guilt, etc.

I’m not saying it’s wrong. I’m asking, is there a limit?

I have read some of the most well-known and perhaps most controversial BF books. One of my favourites was the ‘Left Behind’ series by Jerry Jenkins and Tim LaHaye. This 16-book series (I read 13) is a dramatized interpretation of end-times prophecy, depicting a post-rapture world. I now know that it is heavily based on dispensationalist theology, which isn’t universally accepted. Many assume its portrayal of the Rapture and Tribulation is exactly how the Bible describes it.

When I read ‘The Shack’ by William P. Young, I thought that it was wonderful storytelling, but I had to keep reminding myself that it is just that – a fictional story. It’s about a grieving father who meets God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit in the form of three human-like characters in a cabin. Here’s the problem – It portrays the Trinity in a way not found in Scripture (e.g., God the Father as an African American woman). It also leans into universalism (the idea that everyone is saved regardless of belief).

I have a very rare, picture version of ‘The DaVinci Code’ by Dan Brown. Whilst it is a gripping and fascinating story, it suggests Jesus married Mary Magdalene and had children, with the church covering it up. It presents its fictional claims as historical facts and misrepresents early Christian history and biblical texts.

Whilst I recognise these books as three of the most well-known and extreme examples. They raise the question – Just how much flesh is acceptable to put on the bones?

Brendan Conboy aka Half Man Half Poet is the author of 16 published books including two fascinating autobiographies, The Golden Thread and I'm Still VALUED.  In 1986, Brendan invited Jesus into his life and God blessed him with the gift of rhyming words.  He used that gift as a Christian Rap artist for 25 years and has written 6 poetry books including the entire Book of Psalms in Rhyme.  He has 3 published novels - Issues, Invasion of the Mimics and Legacy of the Mimics.  He is the creator of Book Blest