- In order to qualify as LDS literature, to what extent does a work have to be inspired by the writer’s religious beliefs? Can a work that merely expresses “love of the world God has given us” (paragraph 8) be considered religious enough?
- How do we see Latter-day Saint literature progressing today? Are authors trying too hard to be orthodox and to conform to the world’s standards?
- Elder Packer said that too many Latter-day Saint authors want to “be in style” and that our “devotion will remain as unique from the world as the Church is different from the world.” Should we be more focused on expressing our devotion in writing (even if that means the work may be unpopular or “preachy”) or on the literary value in writing?
- How can we apply our theological principles to fiction? Are famous Latter-day Saint authors like Brandon Sanderson and Orson Scott Card succeeding in this?
- There are so many things in the LDS religion that are sacred and should be kept that way. How do we maintain a balance between keeping things sacred and sharing our unique views with the world? At what point is exploring Latter-day Saint theology and our religious views in writing going too far?
- How can literature that is supposed to be faithful fit into what critics see as literary trends when we have movements characterized by pessimism and disillusionment (like postmodernism)?
Wednesday, September 11, 2019
Julie's Questions about LDS Literature
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I really enjoyed reading all of your questions. I was pondering on the one where you said, "How do we see Latter-day Saint literature progressing today? Are authors trying too hard to be orthodox and to conform to the world’s standards?" I was thinking that it honestly depends on the writer and where their faith lies. Is the literature we are writing and reading contrary to beliefs of the members? If it is then i would say authors would be trying too hard. If it is similar to the writings of the 19C poets that reflect their thoughts and feelings, then i would say it isn't unorthodox.
ReplyDeleteI am also interested in finding the balance between keeping scripture sacred and sharing out own personal experience. It is intriguing to analyze and view The Book of Mormon differently, but the intentions of The Book of Mormon should also be remembered throughout this process. If there are any discrepancies, they should be over analyzed because this book was never intended to be analyzed in this light.
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