S2 Ep1153: The Truth of Fiction and the Limits of My World: Dr. Greg Coles
Feb 15, 2024
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Dr. Greg Coles, author of Single, Gay, Christian and The Limits of My World, discusses the truth of fiction and the limits of our world. Topics covered include the role of genre in determining meaning, the power of language to shape perception, and the possibility that fiction helps us see truth more than non-fiction. They also explore the influence of pronouns and gender in fiction writing, the importance of correction and feedback, and the complexity of language and its relationship to reality.
The novel explores the philosophical relationship between language and reality, prompting readers to question the role of language in shaping our perception of the world.
The book encourages readers to grapple with the complexity of language and consider the tension between diverging language communities in the pursuit of peacemaking.
The podcast emphasizes the importance of recognizing the intentions and genres of ancient texts, advocating for readerly humility and allowing the text to inform the reading experience.
Deep dives
Exiles in Babylon Conference
The speaker promotes the upcoming Exiles in Babylon Conference, highlighting the importance of attending and registering early due to limited space. The conference will cover various controversial topics, including deconstruction and the gospel, women empowerment and abuse in the church, LGBTQ+ issues in relation to the church, and different Christian views on politics. A pre-conference symposium on the theology and politics of Israel Palestine has been added to the event to encourage diverse viewpoints and engage in important conversations.
Discussion on Fiction Novel: The Limits of My World
The speaker welcomes Dr. Gregory Coles to discuss his recently released fiction novel, titled The Limits of My World. The book explores the philosophical relationship between language and reality and follows the journey of characters who use language in unique and limited ways, shaping their perception of the world. The novel invites readers to question how language can both bring people together and create division, and ponders on the idea of human embodiment and its impact on our understanding of the world.
Writing Style and Genre Influences
The speaker and Dr. Gregory Coles discuss the writing style of the novel and how it blends elements of dystopian fiction and exploration of philosophical themes. The inspiration for the novel draws from works like The Giver and reflects on questions of human embodiment and the impact of language on perception. The novel aims to encourage readers to grapple with the complexity of language and its role in shaping reality, as well as to consider the tension between diverging language communities and the pursuit of peacemaking in linguistic engagement.
Exploring Literalism and Genre Interpretation
The conversation touches on the topic of interpreting ancient texts like Genesis 1-11 and the importance of understanding the intentions of the inspired authors within the context of different genres. The speaker and Dr. Coles discuss the potential challenges of reading these texts purely as factual and historical accounts, emphasizing the significance of recognizing how the texts themselves invite certain modes of reading. They advocate for cultivating readerly humility and allowing the text to inform the reading experience, rather than imposing personal preferences and interpretations on the text.
Implications of Language and Reality
The speaker and Dr. Gregory Coles explore the implications of language and its relationship to reality, as conveyed in the novel and in broader theological and philosophical discussions. They discuss the power of language to shape and determine reality, and the tension between different linguistic communities and definitions. The conversation highlights the importance of grappling with linguistic engagement as peacemakers and considering the ways in which language can either bring people together or create division. The novel encourages readers to reflect on their own linguistic practices and the potential impact they have on human relationships and understanding.
Gregory Coles is the author of Single, Gay, Christian, No Longer Strangers, and the recently released dystopian-ish novel, The Limits of My World. He holds a PhD in English from Penn State and lives in Boise, Idaho, where he works as a writer and speaker. Greg is a Senior Research Fellow at The Center for Faith, Sexuality & Gender.
In this podcast conversation, we talk about his book The Limits of My World, which includes themes around the philosophy of language, anthropology, gender, and the nature of reality. This leads to a broader conversation around fiction vs. nonfiction literature (including the Bible), the role of genre for determining meaning, and the possibility that fiction helps us see the truth more than non-fiction.
