Disappointment with Under The Dome

[Nimue]

I just started reading the book, and it seems that in every chapter Christians are either dumb, hypocrites, h greedy or just plain mean. Not just a few characters, but a lot of them. I think that authors should not overly offend any group of people, not when there are other ways to say the story.

[JohnDalglish]

Hi,

Welcome to the MB, and keep posting.

Considering you 'just started' reading UtD you seem to have a very fixed opinion on this. Perhaps you could come back when you've finished it?

Long days and pleasant nights

[Noods]

There are all kinds of people and all kinds of Christians. Just because a certain charactor is not a good Christian does not mean anything offensive in my opinion. I am a Christian and honestly I did not take offense.

[JAMESTHEKINGFAN]

As a Christian, I can kind of see your point. But bear in mind that Stephen king comes from a Methodist background, and often shows negative religious stereotypes to make a point about people who take religion too far. Just like the incedent where he made a comment about getting an education versus the military, he does not mean it to be an insult.

[seanryan]

Under the dome is a story. A piece of entertainment. Not a speech regarding opinions.

If Mr. King was to spend his time worrying about offending and not offending, he would waste energy that he could better use doing what he does best. Writing stories.

I think if you are sensitive enough and look for offense in any form of entertainment or art for that matter you will find it. Rent any DVD and look for elements that could offend someone. You will find it. Especially in comedies. If you exploit that fact, then yes perhaps you should be pulled up on it.

He is creating characters and if those characters have particular traits, faiths, opinions or actions. That is because that what makes the character(s). I doubt he sets out to make a point or take a shot at people in his writing. He has just created a very real world, filled with real people.

I am reading under the dome. I live in Ireland and was raised in a religious environment and I have not read anything offensive.

Now sit back, put your feet up and enjoy it. I am.....

[SharonC]

In my opinion, proclaiming oneself to be a Christian does not automatically make you a saint! I'm Catholic and I am far from perfect. Religion doesn't define the person - we are what we are whether we're Christian, Muslim, Atheist or Agnostic.

Today's society is so policially correct that no matter what we say, it's bound to offend someone. Offense is so often taken when none was meant.

[JohnDalglish]

Hi,

I see the original poster (who for some reason appears to have taken the MB name of a pagan sorceresss and Merlin's mistress) hasn't been back.

Nimue

Long days and pleasant nights

[Joiki]

It only shows how good the writing is...It's so realistic, that it makes some people lose their grasp of what they are reading really is- A story.
By the way, look around. Reality bites. Those things that 'bite' in 'the real world' (which we really ignore most of the time) were just pointed out and magnified in the story.
So, be thankful it's just a novel.

[JAMESTHEKINGFAN]

In my opinion, proclaiming oneself to be a Christian does not automatically make you a saint! I'm Catholic and I am far from perfect. Religion doesn't define the person - we are what we are whether we're Christian, Muslim, Atheist or Agnostic.

Today's society is so policially correct that no matter what we say, it's bound to offend someone. Offense is so often taken when none was meant.

I agree. As a Protestant and preacher's son, I find it sickening that we cannot civilly express our views, make jokes, or merely create art, without having to be bogged down with offensive content.

That being said, I do think some people--not King perse--go about trying to offend people. But that is a different story altogether.

[Susan]

If you want to read a story about nothing but good Christians, than go to a Christian book store and get yourself a book. I love the characters in Under The Dome. There is good, evil, stupid, smart, trashy, and canine. It has everything and the diversity of the characters is what makes it so interesting.