Bare Marriage Episode 303: Francine Rivers' And the Shofar Blew—Let’s Examine Christian Romance Fiction Part 1
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Nov 6, 2025 Join Sarah McDugal, a betrayal trauma recovery expert, Merry Lin, a clinical psychologist and author, and Joanna Sawatsky, a contributor to Great Sex Rescue, as they dive into Francine Rivers' "And the Shofar Blew." They discuss how fiction shapes our understanding of marriage and the hidden theological messages it conveys. The guest share insights about problematic narratives, the normalization of unhealthy dynamics, and the unrealistic expectations placed on women regarding forgiveness. Their thoughtful critique sheds light on the broader implications of Christian romance fiction.
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Fiction Shapes Theology Subtly
- Fiction shapes theology by portraying ideals even when not giving explicit advice.
- Francine Rivers' And the Shofar Blew models a marriage theology readers can internalize without realizing it.
Reading Triggered Real Church Memories
- Merry Lin recounts reading Rivers' earlier books and feeling triggered by this one because it mirrored harmful church dynamics.
- She says the novel stirred anger and painful memories of toxic Christian communities.
Books Teach By Example, Not Instruction
- Fiction doesn't give direct prescriptions but still communicates what life 'should' look like through its portrayed ideals.
- Listeners must ask what the book portrays as the expected response or moral takeaway.
