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Rearranging Icons: An Introduction

A few months ago, Stephen and I wandered into a conversation about the meaning of icons in literature and their connection to Christian faith, and we agreed it was a topic worth examining in more detail in a feature here at Speculative Faith. · Fred Warren

Rearranging Icons 2: Defining The Debates

What are icons? How have Christians viewed them in Church history, speculative stories, and evangelical art? If you think you or your denomination doesn’t deal with icons, in fiction or in faith practice, think again — and join our conversation. · E. Stephen Burnett

Rearranging Icons 3: Give and Take

As our e-mail conversation about icons continued, we moved into more of a give-and-take format, so you’ll see lots of quoting and commenting on things we posted last week. · Fred Warren

Rearranging Icons 4: Characters Becoming Icons

For every Christian, icons are inevitable. But they must show a process of redemption. Christ the “Icon” of the Father underwent suffering. So should we, as we image Him, and so should art and story characters, which image us. · E. Stephen Burnett

Rearranging Icons 5: In The Eye Of The Beholder

I’m more interested in the idea that readers can have a richer reading experience and writers can tell richer, deeper stories if they understand how this works. · Fred Warren

Rearranging Icons 6: Images Of Man

Just as Christ wants us, His “icons,” to exalt the Father and be one with Him as He and the Father are One, so we may want to “exalt” iconic characters who reflect us. Which iconic characters are your favorites, and why? · E. Stephen Burnett

Rearranging Icons 7: Coming Full-Circle

The harder we try to make this icon metaphor fit into the practical business of writing and understanding literature, the squishier and messier it becomes. · Fred Warren