[Serious] Books That Shatter Faith: When Fiction Becomes Blasphemy

[Ravenshire]

Fiction is, for me, escapism. I feel no need to seek out anti-theistic themes just for the anti-theism. I can find all I want of that online. Give me a good urban fantasy based around Celtic mythos or a grand space opera any day. Thrillers, mysteries, might and magic fantasy, dystopian sci-fi, fairy tales, horror, pop-fiction, even the occasional well written, non-bodice ripping, romance... I'll take any of it. If one happens to be anti-theistic, as long as it has a good story, I'm good. But, even if it has christian themes and/or is christian allegory, [i]as long as it has a good story[/i], I'm good. See "His Dark Materials" for an example of the first and "The Chronicles of Narnia" as an example of the second. Both are good stories, well told and that's far more important than theme.

Too many of both theistic and anti-theistic themed books are about the theme, not the story. To keep me engaged, you'd best be telling a good story!

[Ravenshire]

Welcome.

I tend not to read fiction looking for deeper meaning.  If something crops up it's fine but is now my reason for choosing fiction.  I am more a memoir (not of famous people) reader.

Horror for me is usually a no though I like a good psychological thriller now and then.

I know you specifically said not famous people, but have you read Gene Wilder's "Kiss Me Like a Stranger?" Very, very good!

[arewethereyet]

Welcome.

I tend not to read fiction looking for deeper meaning.  If something crops up it's fine but is now my reason for choosing fiction.  I am more a memoir (not of famous people) reader.

Horror for me is usually a no though I like a good psychological thriller now and then.

I know you specifically said not famous people, but have you read Gene Wilder's "Kiss Me Like a Stranger?" Very, very good!

I'll check that out.  I do read some of famous people, depending on who they are.  I read Gilda Radner's book that covered her battle, and loss, with cancer.

[Belacqua]

I love books that challenge the usual thinking, which counterfeit the crowd

I think I'd go with The Brothers Karamazov. Though to tell you the truth I'm not sure whether it shatters faith or, maybe, rebuilds it.

[Belacqua]

Though Beckett would deny it, Waiting for Godot seems to be saying something about faith and its futility.

[Zozz]

I love books that challenge the usual thinking, which counterfeit the crowd, here is my favorites specially the second one because I love fantasy and horror as well, what is your opinion about using fiction that way?

📖 The Testament – Elie Wiesel

A harrowing, philosophical take on faith after the horrors of history. It grapples with the idea of a silent, indifferent God in a world filled with suffering—a question as old as religion itself.

📖 Insane Entities – Michael S. AI

This one is something else entirely. It’s a horror novel, yet the deeper you go, the more it starts feeling like a distorted reflection of Christian salvation. The twist on the concept of a savior? Unsettling. The entities? Unlike anything I’ve read. And the best part? A blasphemy warning on Goodreads from a religious reader who was clearly rattled. If a book can get under someone’s skin like that, it’s doing something right.

📖 Children of Gabalawi – Naguib Mahfouz

Mahfouz took the core figures of Abrahamic religions and wove them into an allegorical neighborhood saga, portraying God as a distant, fading landlord. The novel was banned, denounced, and even led to an assassination attempt on Mahfouz himself.

these seem intriguing, thank you so much for sharing! i think i might read the last two, and suggest Insane Entities to my christian friend-- hes a horror fan and hes starting to get into books i think

[GrandizerII]

These are on my to-read list for sure.