religion in fiction

[jennickels]

Most of the books I read usually gloss over religion since it's not relevant to the plot. Religious holidays might be celebrated to hint at the beliefs of the characters, but for the most part it's not important or the characters are outright atheists. Most of the time characters with deep faith just come off as being preachy assholes which annoy

Comments

[campylobacter]

Some of the best YA fiction I've read about Jewish culture is written by Chaim Potok. Judy Blume, also. Although they were published a few decades ago, they stand the test of time.

[rottweiler7692]

Oooh, I've read the book you're reading now! I don't remember it strongly but I do remember the Amazing Grace part and the basic plot. I don't usually think about religion in books. But I've read a few books that I felt go over-the-top in proclaiming the power of prayer. Certain characters know just when someone needs to be prayed for. And then that person gets better or at least feels better immediately. I'm guessing you wouldn't favor those types of books, lol. ;) But then again, they're not preaching and it's done so in a positive manner.

I can understand where you're coming from. It's bothersome when anybody pushes their beliefs on you, religious or not. Problem is that it gets even more tricky when the beliefs get ingrained or form the basis of aspects of our society. Then it's pretty hard to avoid. :/

[jennickels]

I don't mind religious characters or if they talk about their beliefs as long as it is important to the plot or it doesn't take over. Just having random religious person going on about prayer and beliefs when it has nothing to do with what is going on annoys me. That just sounds preachy. When I reread the Divergent series I realized that God was mentioned a bunch because Tris' family is religious even though she doesn't quite believe in it. It wasn't overdone, but she does occasionally think about it, wondering if her parents were right about the afterlife and stuff