Comments on: On Religion and Safehold – David Weber Guest Blog

By: A. W. Wallace

A. W. Wallace — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 20:06:39 +0000

In the Honor Harrington series, the Grayson-Masada conflict is a religious one, and speaks of a controlling leadership (Masada) versus a church willing to change certain views (Grayson). The series also bespeaks a disdain for politicians of a certain stripe. In the Safehold series, I see it as speaking of the love of power as the chief motivation of those who have chosen a religious/mind control as the source of power instead of force of arms. Either is repugnant in our American society.

By: NTGray

NTGray — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 00:58:20 +0000

The religious element in the Honorverse was obvious, but not overwhelming. But when I saw books with titles like “By Schisms Rent Asunder” and “By Heresies Distressed” (consecutive lines from the hymn “The Church’s One Foundation”) and “A Mighty Fortress” (the name of probably the best, and the best known, Reformation hymn), then I guessed that there must be something overtly religious about the books even before reading the dust jackets. And I wondered whether DW’s knowledge was entirely from study, or whether he has an insider’s perspective on what it’s like inside the/a church. Just wondering.

By: Randy Smith

Randy Smith — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 01:31:38 +0000

Historically, Judaism and early Christianity were less individually-focused and stressed the community formed by the faithful. The individualistic aspects of these religions were a later development due, I believe, by interaction with the Greek and Roman world.

By: CynicalJay

CynicalJay — Sat, 25 Jul 2009 09:32:15 +0000

I am a religious person, though I do not belong to any particular sect of Christianity at this time. I frankly love the Safehold books. The commentary on the Vicars of the Church of God Awaiting and the actions of the Group of four allow Weber to make great commentary on the actions of religion here and now without facing cries of intolerance.

By: axe

axe — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 09:21:59 +0000

>> but just a general observation on Honor Harrington, he remains one

SHE SHE SHE SHE SHE SHE ………….

By: Ross

Ross — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 07:14:02 +0000

Islam is part of the same religious stream as Judaism and Christianity (they are all referred to as the “Abrahamic religions”), and it also emphasizes an individual relationship with God.

By: Maria

Maria — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 14:50:59 +0000

The Honor books are very character centric–done well and are very accessible. I guess that was my point. If there were “themes” I missed them and just enjoyed the STORY.

By: Jay Tomio

Jay Tomio — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 12:34:10 +0000

I can’t really speak on Safehold, but just a general observation on Honor Harrington, he remains one of those very few characters I ever hear mentioned by people that absolutely do not consider themselves SF fans at all (or even consider the notion at all), but LOVE that series. Serious War/alt history crossover appeal hear that is somewhat unique to that level (off the top of my head)

By: Maria

Maria — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 12:14:00 +0000

Interesting. I’ve read several of the Honor books (of course, you’d guess that!) I never noticed the religious theme. I lump all totalitarianism together in my head–whether it’s religious, government, individual–they’re all just “the bad guy” or a corrupt, overbearing group trying to sit on someone or someones. The fact that it might be a religious organization/sect never seems to register until someone points it out. I guess I’m a more simple creature than I thought!

(I never thought of C.S. Lewis work as having religious themes either until someone pointed it out.) The world I live in has religion so reading about it (as it kind of is or as a fictional depiction) is so normal for me, it rarely stands out. That’s a good thing for me, I think.