Anne Rice turns to Jesus

[saechalyn]

Anne Rice's latest book is about a 7 year old Jesus, and she says she will no longer touch on her old subject matter. story here

I'm not a fan of her style, but I thought this was interesting.

[phee]

I heard that she was "reborn" recently

[saechalyn]

I heard that she was "reborn" recently

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Yes I heard that on the radio. Interesting.

[Scary Guy]

So she went nuts... how sad

old age setting in + fear of death + christian dogma being spat at you for years upon years battaring at your beliefs = born again brainwashed servant of that which does not exist.

Just my oppinion though...

Still not a bad plan. If you're right you get into the kingdom of heaven. If you're wrong (which you are) you're headed into the void anyhow. Unless the jews were right, then you're screwed :D

[DarkVampire]

That's very disappointing. Being a fan I'll buy her old stuff, I will have nothing to do with the new.

[Steven]

So she went nuts...  how sad

old age setting in + fear of death + christian dogma being spat at you for years upon years battaring at your beliefs = born again brainwashed servant of that which does not exist.

Just my oppinion though...

Still not a bad plan.  If you're right you get into the kingdom of heaven.  If you're wrong (which you are) you're headed into the void anyhow.  Unless the jews were right, then you're screwed :D

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Dang Dude!!!

Some people feel a calling. Feel the truth in it. Feel balance and harmony in it, find meaning and purpose and identity in it, create goodness with it. I love my faith, I'd be lost without it. If she really did convert then more power to her - her life will be faced with more judgement than ever before if she's become a Christian.

Saint Steven

[Steven]

That's very disappointing. Being a fan I'll buy her old stuff, I will have nothing to do with the new.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

....This is good. This is a good example of the (seemingly) personal betryal that people feel when one in their circle converts to Christianity or embraces biblical precepts. Especially if that walk is away from - paganism. It draws anger. It creates alienation. It often reults in dismisssal, and an aloofness in the certainty that said person or persons have lost touch with anothers steely framework of reality. ....with us or against us?????????

Interesing that no one has simply said: (akin to)

"Well, she's talented, and I dug her stuff, but if she's happy doing what she's doing I hope it works for her".

[Fierce Critter]

For the record, I don't believe she was ever pagan.

[phee]

....This is good.  This is a good example of the (seemingly) personal betryal that people feel when one in their circle converts to Christianity or embraces biblical precepts.  Especially if that walk is away from - paganism.  It draws anger.  It creates alienation.  It often reults in dismisssal, and an aloofness in the certainty that said person or persons have lost touch with anothers steely framework of reality.  ....with us or against us?????????

Interesing that no one has simply said: (akin to)

"Well, she's talented, and I dug her stuff, but if she's happy doing what she's doing I hope it works for her".

I have to agree with Steven on this one... deciding not to like her work based on her religious beliefs is kind of, if not very, closed minded. I mean "Napoleaon Dynomite" was made by Mormons, but it is a very funny movie, Orson Scott Card is Mormon as well, and he is pretty much my favorite sci-fi writer, even though I really don't follow Mormanism. Heck a lot of the music I listen to is made by all sorts of people with an assortment of religious beliefs, Apoptygma is very VERY bible thumpy Christian, a lot of the Death Metal/Black Metal is extremely Satanic, but just because I am not a Christian and I don't worship the devil doesn't mean I can't enjoy it. So if Miss Rice's writing is still good, why not enjoy it?

Just my 2 cents

[saechalyn]

I have to agree with Steven on this one... deciding not to like her work based on her religious beliefs is kind of, if not very, closed minded.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

To be fair, she did say she was changing genres and her work will have religious themes...if people aren't interested in that, then they're not interested. If she decided to be christian but was still writing her old stuff then yeah, it doesn't matter, but it looks like her work is taking a whole new turn.

[phee]

To be fair, she did say she was changing genres and her work will have religious themes...if people aren't interested in that, then they're not interested.  If she decided to be christian but was still writing her old stuff then yeah, it doesn't matter, but it looks like her work is taking a whole new turn.

But it still maybe good.... we can't prejudge.

[Steven]

To be fair, she did say she was changing genres and her work will have religious themes...if people aren't interested in that, then they're not interested.  If she decided to be christian but was still writing her old stuff then yeah, it doesn't matter, but it looks like her work is taking a whole new turn.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

\....and in all fairness, were not talking about a "FAIR" response. Obviously I'm painting in broad brushtrokes, but I'm using Anne Rice as an example of the dischord that more often than not - comes with a turning towrd the Xtian faith.

[Steven]

But it still maybe good.... we can't prejudge.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

EXACTLY. it might turn out to be great work - and knowing Anne Rice, as she has done wiht other biblical charactors in thepast (such as the Prophet Enoch) she'll probably make liberal use of poetic liscense, which will very probably get her bad press in the Xtian world, and therefor e in the end not much has changed..

except that - for some - based on subject matter alone - they no longer have use for Anne Rice.

Brilliant she was when she towed the line.

Brainwashed she became when she deviated.

Are we really as open minded as we declare ourselves to be people?

[phee]

Glad you agree!!!

[Draco1958]

Talk about people jumping to conclusions. Just because someone says they won't read her new novels because they don't like the new subject matter doesn't mean they are anti Christian or hate Ann Rice. It just means they have no interest in the new topic of her novels. Why read so much into it? Some have stated that they feel the dislike for the new subject matter is because of her new found faith, I read it as a disinterest in the new subject matter and not based on her new faith. I am happy for those who have found a calling whether Xtian or Pagan so long as they are happy. But being that I was raised Catholic, I will not attack someone, even lightly just because they don't want to read a book like Ann Rice's new one or question someone's motive for finding Faith. That's not the Xtian way because in a sense, you are becoming judgemental. This judemental attitude that some Xtians have turns me off of my faith. Being Catholic, I have faced many judgemental Xtians in my time because of the religion I was raised in. And they wonder why so many people turn away. Now I am NOT attacking anyone specific. This is just a general rant over the fact if everyone on this site is supposedly open minded, then why question one's motives for not wanting to read a book. It's sounding like a "Gee, you can read her vampire novels but not her Xtian novels and you call yourself open minded??? Yeah right!" It's called freedom of choice, why be judgemental over that. I didn't see anyone attack her for her change other than a comment about her going nuts and old age. Scary Guy's opinion is close to mine in that pressure may be behind the change and that just shows what I mean. Some Xtians push and push and push if your religion doesn't meet their standards. Steven, please understand that I respect you because you do NOT push your faith on us and this is just a general rant.

[phee]

So she went nuts...  how sad

old age setting in + fear of death + christian dogma being spat at you for years upon years battaring at your beliefs = born again brainwashed servant of that which does not exist.

Just my oppinion though...

Still not a bad plan.  If you're right you get into the kingdom of heaven.  If you're wrong (which you are) you're headed into the void anyhow.  Unless the jews were right, then you're screwed :D

I think Draco, the reaction was not so much about subject matter changing, but the above comments

[unchaste]

Ann Rice's earlier stuff is great, but if you ask me, she's been batty for years now.

[Steven]

Talk about people jumping to conclusions.  Just because someone says they won't read her new novels because they don't like the new subject matter doesn't mean they are anti Christian or hate Ann Rice.  It just means they have no interest in the new topic of her novels.  Why read so much into it?  Some have stated that they feel the dislike for the new subject matter is because of her new found faith, I read it as a disinterest in the new subject matter and not based on her new faith.  I am happy for those who have found a calling whether Xtian or Pagan so long as they are happy.  But being that I was raised Catholic, I will not attack someone, even lightly just because they don't want to read a book like Ann Rice's new one or question someone's motive for finding Faith.  That's not the Xtian way because in a sense, you are becoming judgemental.  This judemental attitude that some Xtians have turns me off of my faith.  Being Catholic, I have faced many judgemental Xtians in my time because of the religion I was raised in.  And they wonder why so many people turn away.  Now I am NOT attacking anyone specific. This is just a general rant over the fact if everyone on this site is supposedly open minded, then why question one's motives for not wanting to read a book.  It's sounding like a "Gee, you can read her vampire novels but not her Xtian novels and you call yourself open minded??? Yeah right!"  It's called freedom of choice, why be judgemental over that.  I didn't see anyone attack her for her change other than a comment about her going nuts and old age.  Scary Guy's opinion is close to mine in that pressure may be behind the change and that just shows what I mean.  Some Xtians push and push and push if your religion doesn't meet their standards.  Steven, please understand that I respect you because you do NOT push your faith on us and this is just a general rant.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I dig where your coming from Draco and I understand what your saying - and YES - many Xtians (if not most????) are disrespectful when it comes to their faith and the pushing of their ideals onto others.

But nowadays - so are many Non-Xtians, which is the point I'm trying to make.

Ultimately - my comments fed off of Scary Guys viewpoint about her brainwashing, etc. Its (Scary Guys) a typical response by the seemingly majority of people who are not Xtians, therefore (and bear in mind that I'm follwoing and illustraitng off of scary guys post) I call it into question.

See Draco - for a guy like me - who is a beleiver and yet also one whoi tries very hard to respect and even learn from others points of view - when I hear the "typical" (and a growing trend mind you) trite Xtian bash statements I receive them as directed at myself. Dont get me wrong - I'm not pissed nor am I intending to get into some dumb argument with anyone here - but I am saying "wait a minute - I'm one of those so called brainwashed people and I'm an indipendent thinker, not a dick, I do not Bible Bash you, I like to use my brain, and I value all of your points of view.

Even on this board - and others like it - I've been called a bible thumper when in fact - that does not truly apply to me, because thumping is not my style, nor my calling, nor my RIGHT for that matter. I've also in the past had my comments twisted into statements that I did not make - simply because my publically stated faith places me in a bad light in a community such as this one, in essence there is a bit of prejuduce (and we all do this) when I use the word Christian. Yet I'd sit down and drink and smoke and party and eat and share with any of you, equal to you, never any better than any of you, I have problems like all of you, skeletons like all of you, and I have been lost like all of you.

A seperate point - just for consideration: you say there was no attck on Anne Rice, yet then you refer back to Scary Guy who in essence really has attatcked her identity and motivation, not to mention belittled it and dismissed it in one fell swoop by calling her another wack job, like ALL christians, therefore like ME. And you say that you tend to agree with him, and that pressure may be behind the change.

I'm glad you were honest there. But neither one of you have shared Pork Chops with Anne Rice. I have made an assumption - that she has found fullfillment and purpose with her new path, based on what she herself has said. I have nothign else to go on but her personal testimony, in which she introduces nothing that is un-healthy or corrupted.

You however - (and Mr Scary) have made an assumption that she has crumbled under some sort of pressure, which assumes that surely there MUST be more to the story - which hints that this is a poor personal decision on her part based on your own personal values. Because this Christianity thing - C'mon, its bullshit in the end, it couldent possibly be real, or good, there must be some pressure filled shennanigans going on......

This judgement that you speak of Draco.... we do it to one another - we are all guilty of it, anytime I make a value based decision, I have in effect made a judgement. Persoanlly I think the whole "Christian" or biblical take on judgement is a twisted one anyway, misuderstood by beleivers and Non Beleivers alike.

If we can take what we dish out - if our own lives reflect our having our shit togethor - if we are not hypocritical - if we are doers as opposed to avoiders - then perhaps judgement is worthy of the unspoken authority we feel in the moment.

Steven

[Draco1958]

You know what Steven, even when you don't say it, you have the ability to help explain what others are trying to say. I thank you for that. You do help alot that way and believe me it is appreciated. My agreement with Scary Guy is that I believe it is possible that she was influenced more than just her own decision. I know I am probably wrong but dealing with the thumpers it is always a possibility. I'm not saying she was pressured, I am just stating that it is a possible reason, nothing more. If she did find a true calling I do wish her the very best. I will never fault someone who feels in their heart it is right for them. And for the record, Steven I do respect you, your views and your beliefs because of all the posts of yours that I have read where Xtianity was mentioned, you have always been respectful to others. You are a gentleman. Just wanted to say that. You are right, I also have met many nonXtians who have tried to push their beliefs. It is something we will always face. I've even seen it over which car maker is best...LOL I am glad we can discuss this openly and friendly. You show me one of the reasons this board is so great. Open, honest, respectful discussions of different opinions can be had. Thank you for reminding me of that.

I dig where your coming from Draco and I understand what your saying - and YES - many Xtians (if not most????) are disrespectful when it comes to their faith and the pushing of their ideals onto others.  If I implied you were mad or starting an argument, I apologize now, that was not my intent.  I was talking (attempting to anyway) in general only.  What you saw as an attack on Anne Rice I saw as a questioning of motive.  We each will interpret things differently

But nowadays - so are many Non-Xtians, which is the point I'm trying to make.

Ultimately - my comments fed off of Scary Guys viewpoint  about her brainwashing, etc.  Its (Scary Guys) a typical response by the seemingly majority of people who are not Xtians, therefore (and bear in mind that I'm follwoing and illustraitng off of scary guys post) I call it into question. 

See Draco - for a guy like me - who is a beleiver and yet also one whoi tries very hard to respect and even learn from others points of view - when I hear the "typical" (and a growing trend mind you) trite Xtian bash statements I receive them as directed at myself.  Dont get me wrong - I'm not pissed nor am I intending to get into some dumb argument with anyone here - but I am saying "wait a minute - I'm one of those so called brainwashed people and I'm an indipendent thinker, not a dick, I do not Bible Bash you, I like to use my brain, and I value all of your points of view.

Even on this board - and others like it - I've been called a bible thumper when in fact - that does not truly apply to me, because thumping is not my style, nor my calling, nor my RIGHT for that matter.  I've also in the past had my comments twisted into statements that I did not make - simply because my publically stated faith places me in a bad light in a community such as this one, in essence there is a bit of prejuduce (and we all do this) when I use the word Christian.  Yet I'd sit down and drink and smoke and party and eat and share with any of you, equal to you, never any better than any of you, I have problems like all of you, skeletons like all of you, and I have been lost like all of you.

A seperate point - just for consideration:  you say there was no attck on Anne Rice, yet then you refer back to Scary Guy who in essence really has attatcked her identity and motivation, not to mention belittled it and dismissed it in one fell swoop by calling her another wack job, like ALL christians, therefore like ME.    And you say that you tend to agree with him, and that pressure may be behind the change. 

I'm glad you were honest there.  But neither one of you have shared Pork Chops with Anne Rice.  I have made an assumption - that she has found fullfillment and purpose with her new path, based on what she herself has said.  I have nothign else to go on but her personal testimony, in which she introduces nothing that is un-healthy or corrupted.

You however - (and Mr Scary) have made an assumption that she has crumbled under some sort of pressure, which assumes that surely there MUST be more to the story - which hints that this is a poor personal decision on her part based on your own personal values.  Because this Christianity thing - C'mon, its bullshit in the end, it couldent possibly be real, or good, there must be some pressure filled shennanigans going on......

This judgement that you speak of Draco.... we do it to one another - we are all guilty of it, anytime I make a value based decision, I have in effect made a judgement.  Persoanlly I think the whole "Christian" or biblical take on judgement is a twisted one anyway, misuderstood by beleivers and Non Beleivers alike.

If we can take what we dish out - if our own lives reflect our having our shit togethor - if we are not hypocritical - if we are doers as opposed to avoiders - then perhaps judgement is worthy of the unspoken authority we feel in the moment. 

Steven

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

[gothicmom]

I wasn't crazy about her stories to begin with. I loved Interview and the Sleeping Beauty Trilogy, but I could never get in to others.

Her new book sounds fascinating! I may have to give it a try. But I think I will get it from the library first before I spend the $$ on it.

[Vater Araignee]

HEY!

That chunk of crap hack writing fruit loop that hires people to read significance into her novels, was never anything but Christian.

If anyone thinks to the contrary then you obviously have not read the chronicle especially No. 5 A.K.A. Memnoch the Devil or her bio for that fact.

Now I must hide because when Sinn sees that I called Rice a "chunk of crap hack writing fruit loop" I'm simply dead.

[Steven]

HEY!

That chunk of crap hack writing fruit loop that hires people to read significance into her novels, was never anything but Christian.

If anyone thinks to the contrary then you obviously have not read the chronicle especially No. 5 A.K.A. Memnoch the Devil or her bio for that fact.

Now I must hide because when Sinn sees that I called Rice a "chunk of crap hack writing fruit loop" I'm simply dead.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I've read it (Memnoch), as well as many of her other novels to include her Mayfair witches, etc.

Personally, I like her ideas, but I think she goes waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay too far into painting the landscapes surrounding the stories (like spending ten minutes telling me all about the drapes in the library and the wood paneling on the walls) but she is very gifted and creative.

But her past stuff - is not nor has it ever been a Christian vehicle. Drawing from Biblical scenarios, introducing biblical charectors, or even expanding on and/or twisting up "classic" biblical good -vs- evil situations does not create a Christian Theme. In fact to truly createa "Christian" themed peice of work - any work - ultimately the foundation and purpose of the work needs to take the participant in a direction of the need to reconcile one self before God via and intermediary in Christ. None of her stuff has ever doen that in any way.

I feel the same way about many "Christians" I know. Going to church, being raised in the faith, having a biblical social circle, knowing the bible, saying all the right words and behaving "appropriately" definately do NOT make you a Christian...... that stuff in and of itself only makes you fake.

On a side note: I wanted to go to the Halloween Party last night but was supposed to go to Mexico this weekend instead....only to have it re-scheduled for this coming weekend. AAARRRGGGGG.

Oh and by the way Draco - thanks Man - much appreciated.

Steven

[Homicidalheathen]

Although my daughter loves the vamp books........this new idea more sparks my interest.

Actually I was telling someone the other day an Idea I had for a screen play about a gov. conspiracy to keep us all in the dark and better under control by abducting all of the 'guru's' in the world and keeping them in isolation tanks.

A sci fi movie origional heh

My daughter will be upset there will be no more vamp books put out by this woman. I could care a less.

[phee]

I am not a Christian... But I hate it when somebody in th "Goth" community decides that if someone (Ann Rice) stops writing in a specific genre, and changes their spiritual beliefs, they are considered "Brainwashed" or "Gone Crazy" I am sure that if there was a Christian that decided to not be Christian any more and become "Goth" then there would be a fair amount of people in the Christian community who might consider that individual as "Crazy" or "Brainwashed." I think what it comes down to is this:

If someone changes their perspective/point of view/beliefs from something that is yours to something that you disagree with, it is easy to call them loony/crazy/brainwashed, wheather it is from "Goth" to Christian, Christian to "Goth", Republican to Democrat, etc...

[Steven]

I am not a Christian... But I hate it when somebody in th "Goth" community decides that if someone (Ann Rice) stops writing in a specific genre, and changes their spiritual beliefs, they are considered "Brainwashed" or "Gone Crazy" I am sure that if there was a Christian that decided to not be Christian any more and become "Goth" then there would be a fair amount of people in the Christian community who might consider that individual as "Crazy" or "Brainwashed." I think what it comes down to is this:

If someone changes their perspective/point of view/beliefs from something that is yours to something that you disagree with, it is easy to call them loony/crazy/brainwashed, wheather it is from "Goth" to Christian, Christian to "Goth", Republican to Democrat, etc...

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

exactly.

At some point - hopefully somewhere along teh line we would be wiling to investigate what prompted a change of values and commitment as opposed to calling what we think we see from the outside.....