Author seeks Baptists and other Christians to interview for a novel

[JonC]

Haaaaaaaaa! What a joke. Catholicism, or Universalism was around from the very beginning. There was but one Universal (Catholic) Christian Church from the get go.

Just a note -

Many earlier non-Catholic (churches that do not belong to the Roman Catholic or Eastern Orthodox Church) speak of belonging to the catholic church (used to speak of the body of Christ rather than the assembly). For example, if you read 19th century Baptist writings you will see this on occasion.

I think James point was that the Roman Catholic Church did not exist until the 4th century.

 

[Adonia]

Real Christians are harmless as doves.

And history has proved that there were not many of those. Protestants killed their share of Catholics as you should be well aware of. Is there any of us who claim the title "Christian" can really come close to emulating the Price of Peace? To be honest, not many.

 

[Adonia]

I think James point was that the Roman Catholic Church did not exist until the 4th century.

I know that and I disagree with him.

 

[JonC]

I know that and I disagree with him.

Sorry for the misunderstanding. I thought you were arguing for the "universal" church rather than the RCC. James is right that the Roman Catholic Church was absent until the 4th century, but I suppose you know that. The issue is whether or not the Church evolved into the RCC or if it's creation was a departure from the Church. I believe the latter, that upon its creation the RCC reached back to claim a history that was not exclusively its own, ultimately tweaking that history to suit its needs. Several other institutions have done the same.

 

[Bro. James]

And history has proved that there were not many of those. Protestants killed their share of Catholics as you should be well aware of. Is there any of us who claim the title "Christian" can really come close to emulating the Price of Peace? To be honest, not many.

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Have you considered those of us out here in cyberspace andd elsewhere who are non-Protestant and non-Catholic, non-Orthodox Christians?

We have inquisitioned no one, tortured no one, murdered no one in the name of Christianity.

Several popes have apologized for such things. That makes everything all right?

"Father, forgive them, they know not what they do" is in effect for sure

That does not mean to leave them in charge.

"Christian" means follower of Christ. The true trail does not go through Rome, Constantinople, Wittenburg, Geneva or Nauvoo.

Even so, come, Lord Jesus.

Bro. James

 

[InTheLight]

Hello all!

I am currently conducting research for a new novel about the afterlife. I would like many of my characters to be Christians from different denominations (including non-denominational).

I read 40-50 novels per year. This could be an interesting premise but it could be fraught with problems. You could get bogged down in a lot of philosophical dialogue with scant action.

The premise sounds a bit like "Riverworld-Lite". Riverworld was a series of novels by Philip Jose Farmer written in the 70's about the afterlife on a constructed planet.

I'm trying to think of a situation that would place a bunch of characters into the afterlife together. My candidates are a mass killing, either a terrorist attack, a natural disaster, a war, or an accident, perhaps a plane crash.

To create respectful and accurate representations of Christianity, I would like to interview people whose faith background is similar to the characters I am creating. Interviews are conducted over the phone and usually last 1 - 2 hours. If you live in the Central Valley or San Francisco Bay area of California, an in-person interview may be possible. Interviewees would be expected to sign a release form.

Oh goodness--a 2 hour interview? Really? And how many interviews in total? Why not research various theological positions and then create characters who hold these beliefs? The job of the author is to create characters and write. Research is important but too much can be crippling to the creating process.

I'm guessing your research phase has gone on for quite some time and there is precious little copy being written. I call this "paralysis by analysis."

My advice would be to quit the interviews and get in front of your word processor. Good luck on your endeavor.



Sent from my Pixel 2 XL

 

[Bro. James]

All two hour interviews notwithoutstanding, this whole discussion boils to: there is only one path to heaven--Jesus. All others are thieves and robbers leading to the pit of eternal hellfire separated from the True and Living God--Creator and Savior forever.
See also: Mt. 7:21-23. Most folks are not interested in hearing/reading The Truth. They are interested in a religon which conforms to their lifestyles. Do not bother them with the facts.

There be many called Christian who do not seem to believe there is a real heaven and a real hell.

The consequences are only a heartbeat away.

Even so, come, Lord Jesus.