  Spiritual
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Spiritual: relating to the spirit or soul and not to physical matter; intangible. Collins Dictionary and Thesaurus
This newsletter explores ideas of the spiritual nature that exists in each and every one of us in an open and non-judgemental manner.
Each editor brings to the newsletter their own backgrounds, experiences, beliefs and opinions. Whether you disagree, agree, doubt or applaud the views expressed, let us all show respect to each other. Together we can learn something about the many varied aspects of the spiritual self and enjoy our differences in true meaning of the Spirit of Community.
Enjoy! 
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** Spiritual Writing **
Reconciling Beliefs With Fiction
I had been asked before how to write fantasy, or indeed any form of fiction, without compromising one's beliefs. This stretches to maintaining morals, adhering to the belief in a single Creator God, or whatever forms the basis of your faith.
Whatever your belief, the same situation arises - to remain true to your faith takes some thinking about.
For me, I faced this issue in the writing of my current novel - a fantasy. A complete other world, but one in which I did not want to introduce any form of 'god-ship' that would go against my belief in God. I needed a group of people who might be called priestesses, but I felt that was moving too far into a realm I did not want to take the setting, characterisation, or the story.
How much of an issue this is for a writer depends on the strength of your faith, and the slant of your writing.
For example a Christian writer could write about witchcraft if that viewpoint was showing the dangerous side, or a witch turning to Christ. However writing about a 'good' witch would, for me, be something I could not conscience.
Similarly, a story where the rapist gets away with his actions and goes on to thrive, while it might be an interesting and unexpected storyline, would clash with my sense of justice and morality. Writing about a rapist who is caught and faces justice is more palatable, and is likely to satisfy readers more.
I am definitely not saying that writing about witches or rapists or murder, etc, is a bad thing. My novel involves rape and a classic fight of good against evil. The rape scenes are not explicit, as that is something completely against my morals, but nevertheless it forms a key to the plot. Questions of morals do not stymie the creative process, but can help refine the scenes to give them the impact without the compromise.
This issue of my beliefs and the morals that accompany those beliefs is the major reason I refuse to talk about other faiths/belief systems in this newsletter. I could not consciesably discuss them as acceptable alternatives to the one true God. I also have no wish to offend or alienate people of other faiths and religions. It is an individual choice.
The matter of aligning your writing with your beliefs is not something anybody can decide for you. It may or may not be an issue you've considered before, but I think it comes at some point.
So when that point comes, I hope these questions can help you decide what is right for you.
First, establish the strength of your convictions:
 Is it important to me to remain faithful to my beliefs, even in the world of fiction?
This determines the weight or importance of your answers to the next section:
Is this contrary to my core belief?
Does it compomise my morals?
Is there a positive purpose in using factors/characters/actions which I consider immoral or sinful?
Is each circumstance shown in a way sympathetic with my beliefs?
e.g. lies do not prosper the lier
And finally, the last two very important tests:
Am I comfortable writing and reading this?
Would I be embarrassed to let my family/church leaders read it?
"Discretion will protect you, and understanding will guard you.
Wisdom will save you from the ways of wicked men, from men whose words are perverse"
Proverbs 2:11-12
I hope this has given some cause for thought.
Till next time:
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Spiritual: September 27, 2006 Issue [#1283]
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