Brandon Sanderson goes full woke and betrays gospel values?

[mikbone]

I have read many of Sanderson's works.  

And I'm halfway through listening to Wind and Truth.

It hasn't offended me. He writes mostly about people's struggles with conforming to social norms. He has written about characters who are mentally ill, physically handicapped, or parents' disappointments.  

Yes, some characters are struggling with their feelings of sexual attraction but there are no sex scenes or innuendo.... yet.

Renarin Kholin is not only attracted to a male, but a male from another species.  

Brandon is exploring a huge question about right and wrong and how you know who and what to follow (considering they live in another world without the Holy Ghost, or the Light of Christ).

It is a work of fiction.

 

And my daughter did get into his BYU class.

 

He does not need the money.  

Edited January 12 by mikbone

[zil2]

23 minutes ago, Vort said:

My children (all adults now) like Brandon Sanderson's books.

I read fantasy almost exclusively (as far as fiction goes).  Granted, I'm probably not "current" on fantasy because I have a backlog and have lost my ability to concentrate on fiction.  But I've read enough to say that I believe that Brandon Sanderson may well have the most creative imagination I have ever encountered, and the most amazing skill when it comes to writing a good ending to a story.  He is exceptional in these two regards.  And everything between is very well executed (in those of his books that I have read and in comparison to everything else I have read, most of which I thoroughly enjoyed).  This is why I believe he has (or had) a huge gift from God.  I know quite a lot about Sanderson's writing process, and it's equally obvious that he didn't bury that talent - he worked hard to magnify it - so I'm not trying to say it's only a gift from God with no effort from Sanderson.

Anywho, when I read the FAQ I linked (and apparently you can find social media posts along the same line, though I haven't tried to confirm that), it makes me sad.  Heaven knows how it will all end up, but in the meantime, he is encouraging things not compatible with eternal truth, and that's not good for anyone.

[mirkwood]

I've started reading Sanderson several times.  I don't remember which series I tried.  I found him boring and never made it beyond 50 pages.

 

If he has gone woke, I hope his success dries up.

[The Folk Prophet]

7 hours ago, Carborendum said:

So, for you to call it "full woke" seems to be quite the over-reaction.

A. I didn't call it full woke. Just saying what I've seen others saying. 

B. There's a question mark. It isn't a statement. It's a question. 

Oh... and C. It's not a question of this book alone. He's making other social comments. He wants eternal gay marriage to become a thing. And the like. If that's not full woke... not sure what is. 

Edited January 12 by The Folk Prophet

[zil2]

7 hours ago, The Folk Prophet said:

C. It's not a question of this book alone. He's making other social comments. He wants eternal gay marriage to become a thing. And the like. If that's not full woke... not sure what is. 

Well, full woke are certainly not satisfied (as he indicates in the FAQ), they would have him go a lot further.  One of the biggest red flags for me is this:

Quote

I look forward to seeing further changes in the church, and I work to make sure I am helping from within it to create a place that is welcoming of LGBTQ+ people and ideas.

He is trying to change the Church.  Obviously, he's not going to change the Lord or His prophets, but he could be having a huge impact on his ward and stake, especially its youth.

[Carborendum]

9 hours ago, The Folk Prophet said:

A. I didn't call it full woke. Just saying what I've seen others saying. 

That's not what this sentence says:

20 hours ago, The Folk Prophet said:

Brandon Sanderson's latest book in the Stormlight Archive just came out and, apparently, full woke.

But you did say:

9 hours ago, The Folk Prophet said:

He, per the videos I've watched on it...

Sorry, I missed that.

9 hours ago, The Folk Prophet said:

B. There's a question mark. It isn't a statement. It's a question. 

I don't see the question mark.

9 hours ago, The Folk Prophet said:

Oh... and C. It's not a question of this book alone. He's making other social comments. He wants eternal gay marriage to become a thing. And the like. If that's not full woke... not sure what is. 

As far as the books, I don't find them "woke"... yet.  Certainly not "full woke."  < -- those were your words.

As for Sanderson, himself, per @zil2's link, apparently, he's pro LGBTQ.  That's sad. But as long as it doesn't get into the books suffiicently to be annoyingly "preachy" then I don't really care (as a fan).

As a Latter-day Saint, I tend to roll my eyes any time people want to believe that God actually wants solemnized same-sex marriages in the temple, sealed for all eternity.  And I thus roll my eyes at Sanderson doing exactly that.

If the Church ever freely agrees (not because of government mandate) to solemnize same-sex marriages, I will pray only once with as much sincerity that I can muster.  And if I do not get an overwhelming revelation verifying it is true, I will immediately denounce the Church as false.

Edited January 12 by Carborendum

[The Folk Prophet]

3 hours ago, Carborendum said:

That's not what this sentence says:

(Edit: I was trying ty be funny snarky here. I realized it might come across as just rude. I don't mean it to be... just funny snarky sarcasm. So don't take it too seriously. )

Okay. Very helpful. Clearly you know what my intentions are better than me. Very, very useful. The discussion is much better now than it would otherwise be. 

3 hours ago, Carborendum said:

I don't see the question mark.

It's in the title.

3 hours ago, Carborendum said:

those were your words.

Schooled me again. What a fool I am. Thank you sir. May I have another? The fact that I pointed out that it's a question of what I've seen others say has no meaning. Obviously. 

Sheesh. Is this what makes others so upset with me...  when someone clarifies what they're meaning, demand they're wrong?

3 hours ago, Carborendum said:

to be annoyingly "preachy"

Annoying is subjective, I think.

As is, apparently, "full", and, even, "woke".

I didn't post to argue. I know now that you don't consider the books woke. Thanks. Please stop telling me what I think though. 😉

Edited January 12 by The Folk Prophet

[LDSGator]

@The Folk Prophet-this question shows my own ignorance, and like I said, fantasy novels are fine, wonderful books but they just aren’t my thing. That’s why they have menus at restaurants. I like salmon, you like trout.
 

Is Sanderson a “big name” in the genre? Is he doing this (sliding left) to get his name out there and maybe sell more books to a younger generation? I’m not saying it’s right-I’m just curious.  

[LDSGator]

I should be clear. I do like Harry Potter and Narnia. Both I’ve read several times. I tried reading Wheel of Time but didn’t get by book two. 

[zil2]

40 minutes ago, LDSGator said:

Is Sanderson a “big name” in the genre? Is he doing this (sliding left) to get his name out there and maybe sell more books to a younger generation?

Yes, huge.  He doesn't need to do this to get his name out there - it was huge before word of this came out.  And he is prolific - tons of books, and lots of "side stuff" in the world of book and comic conventions.

The FAQ points at changing views from him over time.  Whether he "needs" to support LGBTQ+ views to continue selling at the same rate (or keep his editor or publisher or agent), I couldn't begin to tell you.

[The Folk Prophet]

44 minutes ago, LDSGator said:

Is Sanderson a “big name” in the genre?

Easily the biggest name currently. 

[LDSGator]

14 minutes ago, zil2 said:

Yes, huge.

 

14 minutes ago, The Folk Prophet said:

Easily the biggest name currently. 

Thank you both! 

[LDSGator]

57 minutes ago, zil2 said:

The FAQ points at changing views from him over time. 

I believe that. Goodness knows my views have evolved and changed since I was 18.
 

And to be fair to Sanderson-if his views went from left-right we’d all say he was “learning, growing and maturing” because his views align with our own. If he went from right-left then he’s selling out, giving up on his values, looking for attention, etc. 

[zil2]

17 minutes ago, LDSGator said:

And to be fair to Sanderson-if his views went from left-right we’d all say he was “learning, growing and maturing” because his views align with our own. If he went from right-left then he’s selling out, giving up on his values, looking for attention, etc. 

Left schmeft, right schmright.  I could not care less.  Toward the restored gospel or away?  Now I care.

[mikbone]

Sanderson was a missionary in Korea ‘95-‘97.

He has a huge group of employees to assist him with his books.  Illustrator's, production, proofreaders, he does podcasts, teaches @ BYU, etc.

The fantasy genre attracts all comers.  He seems to be trying to be more inclusive.  

I don’t really like the portions in book that discuss LGBTQ+ acceptance and values.  The mental illness and despair I also find unnecessary ancillary material.  I read books for the magic, warfare, and heroism.  I love reading about main characters that are Christ figures.

I know that he gets literally tons of fan mail and he probably gets most of the fan mail from people that are struggling with issues that he explores in his books.

He is not one to condemn and his overwhelming message is of hope and overcoming conflict.

I don’t mind gay people getting married.  Knock yourself out.

I don’t support homosexual temple sealings, homosexual relationships cannot produce children.

And I am a great proponent of families and children.

[LDSGator]

12 minutes ago, mikbone said:

Sanderson was a missionary in Korea ‘95-‘97.

He has a huge group of employees to assist him with his books.  Illustrator's, production, proofreaders, he does podcasts, teaches @ BYU, etc.

The fantasy genre attracts all comers.  He seems to be trying to be more inclusive.  

I don’t really like the portions in book that discuss LGBTQ+ acceptance and values.  The mental illness and despair I also find unnecessary ancillary material.  I read books for the magic, warfare, and heroism.  I love reading about main characters that are Christ figures.

I know that he gets literally tons of fan mail and he probably gets most of the fan mail from people that are struggling with issues that he explores in his books.

He is not one to condemn and his overwhelming message is of hope and overcoming conflict.

I don’t mind gay people getting married.  Knock yourself out.

I don’t support homosexual temple sealings, homosexual relationships cannot produce children.

And I am a great proponent of families and children.

Dude, that’s a great perspective to have.

13 minutes ago, zil2 said:

Left schmeft, right schmright.  I could not care less.  Toward the restored gospel or away?  Now I care.

That’s fine. I assume Sandersen has to appeal to a broader audience than those who are LDS. In fact, I’m almost certain-he couldn’t be as popular as he seems to be if he just wrote strictly for an LDS audience. 

Edited January 12 by LDSGator

[CV75]

2 hours ago, LDSGator said:

Dude, that’s a great perspective to have.

That’s fine. I assume Sandersen has to appeal to a broader audience than those who are LDS. In fact, I’m almost certain-he couldn’t be as popular as he seems to be if he just wrote strictly for an LDS audience. 

This brings up a question for me -- is accommodating  a broader literary audience idea/cultural/ideological preferences like employment in the gambling industry such as Las Vegas (and why isn't prostitution treated differently?); or "adult-oriented" (euphemism) theatrical audiences; or selling alcohol, cigarettes, recreational marijuana, low-proof beer etc. in hotels/motels across the land (wherever permitted); or engaging for a living or entertainment in professional sports on Sundays?

[mikbone]

7 minutes ago, CV75 said:

This brings up a question for me -- is accommodating  a broader literary audience idea/cultural/ideological preferences like employment in the gambling industry such as Las Vegas (and why isn't prostitution treated differently?); or "adult-oriented" (euphemism) theatrical audiences; or selling alcohol, cigarettes, recreational marijuana, low-proof beer etc. in hotels/motels across the land (wherever permitted); or engaging for a living or entertainment in professional sports on Sundays?

Sure you can look at it that way.

On the other hand, Who did Jesus reject?  Who did Jesus seek out?

[CV75]

11 minutes ago, mikbone said:

Sure you can look at it that way.

On the other hand, Who did Jesus reject?  Who did Jesus seek out?

I guess He did answer a question with a question on occasion. But I still pose my question about accommodating x-y-z in order to make a living, which, while each must answer for ourselves (does that make it rhetorical?), is the kind of question often posed on a message board like this for the sake of discussion.

I don't think how someone made a living determined whether He sought them out or rejected them, though it seems to often affect whether someone sought/seeks out or rejected/rejects Him, as represented more graphically in earlier versions of the temple drama. And of course people can repent.

[mikbone]

10 minutes ago, CV75 said:

But I still pose my question about accommodating x-y-z in order to make a living

This is not what he is doing.

He already has generational money. 

He is a prolific writer that loves to write.

He employs artists to make his books more satisfying for the reader although he does not need to.

His idea of fun is playing the card game Magic the Gathering.

Edited January 12 by mikbone

[CV75]

2 minutes ago, mikbone said:

This is not what he is doing.

He already has generational money. 

He is a prolific writer that loves to write.

He employs artists to make his books more satisfying for the reader although he does not need to.

Who is "he" -- Sanderson? I stopped referring to him /book content and readers since Posted yesterday at 04:51 PM, which was in principle according to the representation made in the OP anyway. I still have the same question I originally posted, and anyone interested might reply.

[mikbone]

13 minutes ago, CV75 said:

Who is "he" -- Sanderson? I stopped referring to him /book content and readers since Posted yesterday at 04:51 PM, which was in principle according to the representation made in the OP anyway. I still have the same question I originally posted, and anyone interested might reply.

I don’t follow you.  This thread is about Brandon Sanderson.  Make a post elsewhere if you want to be non-spcific.

Edited January 13 by mikbone

[CV75]

29 minutes ago, mikbone said:

I don’t follow you.  This thread is about Brandon Sanderson.  Make a post elsewhere if you want to be non-spcific.

I'll defer to the wishes of the OP or the decision of the mods determine that one. If no one addresses the question I posed, that is fine with me also.

[NeuroTypical]

4 hours ago, zil2 said:

Left schmeft, right schmright.  I could not care less.  Toward the restored gospel or away?  Now I care.

Ok, but: 

- I'm supposed to love my neighbor, so we need to plan for them and take care of them and make sure they are never in want or need.  We can tax the rich to pay for it because they have plenty.

- I'm supposed to love my neighbor, so I'm a strong believer in individual liberty and not getting in the way of people planning for themselves and those within their stewardship.  Experiencing the natural consequences of your actions, be they positive or negative, is something that shouldn't be impeded.  And taking money from someone who isn't me, to give it to other people who are also not me, is often unjust.

[NeuroTypical]

1 hour ago, CV75 said:

This brings up a question for me -- is accommodating  a broader literary audience idea/cultural/ideological preferences like employment in the gambling industry such as Las Vegas (and why isn't prostitution treated differently?); or "adult-oriented" (euphemism) theatrical audiences; or selling alcohol, cigarettes, recreational marijuana, low-proof beer etc. in hotels/motels across the land (wherever permitted); or engaging for a living or entertainment in professional sports on Sundays?

This is your question?  Could you clarify and restate it?  I've tried 3 times and simply can't understand what you're asking.