The Religion of Literature and the Literature of Religion Chapter

Open, View, and/or
Download this Document

Total Length: 756 words ( 3 double-spaced pages)

Total Sources: 2

Page 1 of 3

epic narratives like Star Wars, Game of Thrones, and Lord of the Rings contain some of the same elements and archetypes as those found in the Biblical narratives. Sacrifice, bondage, exodus, and survival in the wilderness are themes in each of these stories. For example, in Star Wars, the Skywalkers were forced to flee Tatooine, making numerous sacrifices in preventing the dark side from winning. In Game of Thrones, characters like Arya have been forced to survive in the wilderness as well as live in bondage while also being exiled from her place of birth. Frodo and Bilbo Baggins make sacrifices and survive in the wilderness during their journeys in Lord of the Rings. These secular stories often contain strong moral messages, just as the Bible does. Honor, integrity and virtue are as important for exhibiting strong leadership in secular as in religious literature. The main difference between secular epic narratives and religious ones is that the latter has been deemed "sacred," as if existing on a profound level apart from everyday life. Pious people even believe that religious texts are the word of God, revealing how strongly the effect of these texts on their readers versus secular stories.

Stuck Writing Your "The Religion of Literature and the Literature of Religion" Chapter?

View All Our Example The Religion of Literature and the Literature of Religion Chapter

Have A Custom Example Essay Written

Audiences often follow secular stories like Star Wars, Game of Thrones, and Lord of the Rings with "religious" fervor, but that type of fervor is qualitatively different from that felt by religious people who view the Bible reverentially.

All epic narratives have instructional value. They show readers that strong leaders almost always have tragic flaws. All of the Biblical leaders, particularly in the Old Testament, have flaws just like other tragic heroes. Some fail to follow God's commandments; others fail to trust God. The Biblical stories are strongly instructional in nature. Star Wars, Game of Thrones, and Lord of the Rings are designed to be entertaining more than instructional. Even if these narratives have some instructional merit, they do not provide codes for people to live by. They do, however, offer blueprints for human character development and can teach readers about issues like friendship and loyalty.

Part Two

1. What major differences do you see in the denominations and is there any room for theological agreement?

One of the main differences between Christian denominations is their liturgy and ritual. Catholicism retains the sacraments like the Holy Communion, but few other sects do. Anglicanism (the Church of England) retains more….....

Show More ⇣

     Open the full completed essay and source list


OR

     Order a one-of-a-kind custom essay on this topic


sample essay writing service

Cite This Resource:

Latest APA Format (6th edition)

Copy Reference
"The Religion Of Literature And The Literature Of Religion" (2016, April 17) Retrieved June 5, 2025, from
https://www.aceyourpaper.com/essays/religion-literature-literature-religion-2157636
   

Open, View, and/or
Download this Document
order custom essay example