--- title: "A Different Kind of Theology: Fiction, Imagination, and New Realities with Bryan Bliss" description: "A Different Kind of Theology: Fiction, Imagination, and New Realities with Bryan Bliss" image: https://blog.unitedseminary.edu/hubfs/bliss.jpeg --- [![The Canvas Logo_Final1.png](https://blog.unitedseminary.edu/hs-fs/hubfs/The%20Canvas%20Logo_Final1.png?width=1779&name=The%20Canvas%20Logo_Final1.png "The Canvas Logo_Final1.png")](https://blog.unitedseminary.edu/the-canvas) - [Theology](https://blog.unitedseminary.edu/the-canvas/tag/theology) - [Activism](https://blog.unitedseminary.edu/the-canvas/tag/activism) - [Arts](https://blog.unitedseminary.edu/the-canvas/tag/arts) - [Formation](https://blog.unitedseminary.edu/the-canvas/tag/formation) - [Voice](https://blog.unitedseminary.edu/the-canvas/tag/voice) - [Theology of Prince](https://blog.unitedseminary.edu/the-canvas/tag/theology-of-prince) ![original-5](https://blog.unitedseminary.edu/hubfs/Images/social-suggested-images/original-5.jpg "original-5") ### Subscribe to The Canvas ### Subscribe to The Canvas ## Featured Post   [Rev. 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"Fiction has always had a theological bent. On a basic level, fiction introduces us to new realities. For the writer and the reader, it helps us to see the world differently—to imagine a different world. When we are asked to read fiction theologically, we engage the text in a new way—one that asks us to confront theological biases, to adapt our dogma to these new realities in a way that might push us outside of traditional or orthodox religious beliefs. The result is more than just good literature: it’s the opportunity for transformation." [Bryan Bliss](http://bryanbliss.com/) is the author of four novels, including *We’ll Fly Away,* which was longlisted for the 2018 National Book Award and was a Finalist for the Minnesota Book Award. His next book, *Bad Things, Good People, and God*, will be released in January. He holds an M.F.A. in creative writing from Seattle Pacific University, an M.T.S. from Vanderbilt Divinity School, and is currently working on a Doctor of Ministry degree at United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities. He lives in St. Paul with his family.   ### [Dr. Jennifer Awes Freeman](https://blog.unitedseminary.edu/the-canvas/author/dr-jennifer-awes-freeman) Jennifer Awes Freeman is Associate Professor and Program Director of Theology and the Arts at United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities. ## Your Comments : Previous Post ##### [The Good Shepherd: Image, Meaning, and Power with Dr. Jennifer Awes Freeman](https://blog.unitedseminary.edu/the-canvas/the-good-shepherd) Next Post ##### [The Boy Who Found Gold: A Conversation with Father Bill McNichols](https://blog.unitedseminary.edu/the-canvas/the-boy-who-found-gold-a-conversation-with-father-bill-mcnichols) ### Search Blog - Latest Posts - Popular Posts [Rev. 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