In which my fandom experience helps me understand theology...

[bicrim]

So, I was doing some reading on the debate between Cessastionists and Continuationists regarding modern charismatic prophecy and what level of authority it can hold to church dogma. I was having some trouble understanding why the Cessastionists were so opposed to new prophets (aside from policital reasons, which make perfect sense) and then I saw a chapter heading and it all became clear--it was called The Closing of Canon. Suddenly, I understood. It was like after book 7 came out and all the fanfic writers could write without fear of being Jossed, and then JK Rowling starting doing interviews with more information about the backstories and futures of her characters. There was great debate in fandom--was the Canon closed with the last book, or are her interviews also canon?

Anyway, it made me laugh. It also made me think of the Bible as source text that could be used in a fandom, and that made me think of Bible fic, and that made me think of Bible slash, and oh my god, I did not need to think of that. I am just laughing at myself over here.

Comments

[pica-scribit.livejournal.com]

I know exactly what you mean! Sometimes associated with the literary concept of "death of the author". I myself tend to pick and choose which of JKR's post-DH "apocryphal" revelations I accept into my own head-canon. I suppose we could start talking about fandom in terms of sects and denominations, if we're feeling geeky enough.

As for Bible!slash, I recommend a bit of David/Jonathan, because, well, it's practically canon anyway.

ETA: http://www.fanfiction.net/book/Bible/

[hippydippymama.livejournal.com]

Oh, dude, I knew it existed, but I did NOT need to know there was a LINK. THANKS. =P

[pica-scribit.livejournal.com]

Too late! Now it's in your brain! (Just for you, FF.net also has a listing for the Book of Mormon, but there are only two fics in it.)

[hippydippymama.livejournal.com]

Oh, my brain just went to a really scary visual place.... *shudders*