When writing Myths of Gods, the delicate nature of the plot and theme created the need for me to work for a balance between respect and boldness as well as didacticism and entertaining prose.  One might think that writing a fictitious god might straddle between blasphemous and insane, given the world's current religious climates, but I would argue instead that it is a call to reason, tolerance, and discussion.

Myths of Gods
1. was written by an agnostic,
2. is not an attempt to add to any religion's texts,
3. is an attempt at raising critical thought about religion as a whole,
4. is purposefully disturbing,
5. presents a fallible infant god that merely happens upon creation,
6. blurs the lines between good and evil in religion, mankind, and even in God,
7. does not bash religion,
8. has a point to make,
9. will haunt you, no matter what you personally believe.

I invite the religious, agnostic, and atheist alike to read Myths of Gods as a personal challenge--or perhaps you will offer me a challenge by sharing your thoughts on it.  I would love to discuss the themes with you.  I'm so eager for the discourse, I'm giving away a signed paperback to one random poster.

Thanks for stopping by!
 


Comments

Shelley
06/11/2011 10:14

I want a signed paperback! I read Myths of Gods on Kindle and I was really surprised by what you did with the characters. I had no idea what to expect. The story description (although very good) does not do the book justice.

The theme of the fallable God was very interesting. It worked. And the way each God-character was more human than God, that said a lot about people too. I think some people might be offended by all of that (and especially what happens to Jeza) but I think you nailed the issues.

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Lisa Lane link
06/11/2011 12:21

Thanks for stopping by, Shelley! I thought it would be interesting to present a god that might not necessarily have always existed--and doesn't even know where it came from, if it came from anywhere. The concept of an infant god opened up the door for speculation on many levels, while the dynamics that occur between the people and their religious leaders was my vehicle for my thoughts on religious abuse of power.

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David Fitzgerald
06/11/2011 19:57

I loved the idea of a fallible, curious, well-meaning god too. And I liked the idea of his avatars being imperfect and non-self-aware, even downright dickish, too. You know, when you think about it, if you have a perfect super-duper omnipotent, omniscent, omni-everything perfect being, what's he want with a universe, anyway? Just wrecks all his wonderful perfection...I'm just saying.
-D

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jennifer mathis
06/12/2011 10:40

i would love to read this

meandi09@yahoo.com

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Lisa Lane link
06/12/2011 11:04

Thanks for the replies, David and Jennifer.

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Andrew
06/12/2011 14:02

As a good, Christian man I am saddened and disturbed by your 'speculations'. Our Lord Jesus Christ died for our sins and there is no other story to tell. Have you read the Bible?

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Lisa Lane link
06/12/2011 16:50

Andrew, one of the points of my novel is that there is often a vast difference between what we believe to be and what really is. Far too many people confuse belief with fact.

Every person of faith believes in their god just as strongly as you do. Has it ever occurred to you that all of you, every single religion out there including yours, has got God all wrong, as well intended and wonderfully inspired as they may be? MYTHS OF GODS offers a different perspective. I have read the Bible. Have you read MYTHS OF GODS?

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Charlotte Babb link
06/13/2011 05:41

I think all religions are fairy tales, for it's clear to me that the truth is at once much simpler and infinitely more complex than the human mind.

Of course, I also think all fairy tales are remnants of religion, or at least of teaching stories. I'd like to read your take. Send me a book.

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Lisa Lane link
06/13/2011 16:02

Well said, Charlotte.

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Alex
06/13/2011 16:20

I'm going to steal that line, Lisa: "I have read the Bible. Have you read MYTHS OF GODS?"

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Keri
06/13/2011 18:11

I don't have anything particularly deep or meaningful to say other than I've been part of several religions and have found them on a basic level to be rooted in the same belief system. Be nice to people, get rewarded. Don't be nice, get punished. I think that no matter what religion you are, that if you can accept that, then everyone else's beliefs are interesting to learn about. Personally I'm impressed at the creativity to create a belief system from scratch. I don't want the free book. I'm planning on buying it. I just wanted to comment. :)

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Brenda Woody link
06/14/2011 07:34

I was raised traditional Southern Baptist. Over the years, I became confused about Christianity and what it really meant. Now in my mature years, I am content with living a good life, helping others, abiding by the law and believing in pre-christianity - our pagan ancestry, who wasn't fickle in their beliefs and is the foundation for all religions.
A poem I wrote about my childhood baptism:

Emerged in Water

The pool was huge when I was five
The crowd seemed like thousands
I was not quite sure what I was doing
when I was emerged in the water

The paster asked me if I accept
Jesus as my saviour
Of course at five I would accept
anyone as my saviour

The boys were mean to me
The girls were snobbish
Would this Jesus find me a friend?
Would he put an end to the mean kids ?

So I held my hands over my nose
and closed my eyes as I was laid back
In the water that was supposed to cleanse my soul

The water was cold but felt refreshing
I didn't see Jesus why didn't he come?
My soul felt the same at the age of five
So why was I emerged in the water?

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Lisa Lane link
06/14/2011 07:54

Alex and Keri, I appreciate the comments. I clung to a few different belief systems in my life, but by the time I was a young adult, I just couldn't "believe" in anything. If there was a God (and I personally do believe there is more to our universe than just dust and rocks) religion could be but as great as the people who run it, and no one is that perfect.

Brenda, thanks so much for sharing your poem. I have often wondered how surreal an event like childhood baptism might be. I enjoyed your take.

I want to thank everyone who stopped by. Also (drawing a random name) congratulations to Jennifer Mathis for winning the signed paperback!

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