Religion

It’s a controversial subject. Always.

I am a practicing Catholic. I do not hide it. Therefore, it is hard to keep my religion from my stories. And it is a bit sad that I feel the need. And not every author has. I’ve read works by C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien. They have used their religion. And successfully.

For “Through the Mists,” I’ve adjusted religion. The story takes place in an alternate history. I didn’t feel it was appropriate to introduce Christianity there. Yet since it parallels a medieval period, religion would be important. So I adapted some beliefs of Christianity for the beliefs of two of my countries. However I also made the religions somewhat nature-based. There is an important geographical feature in my story and it serves as the base for their religions. In my heroine’s country, they believe entities similar to guardian angels reside atop this mountain—as an example.

I took another approach for “The Wedding Game.” This one is set in medieval Europe, mostly on the British isles. Because of that, Christianity is an important part of my story. A major character is a priest. Prayers and Christian concepts are incorporated.

I’ll probably have more to say later as “The Wedding Game” progresses.

What do you think? Can a book incorporate religion and not have to be labeled as spiritual? And can an author do it well?