Susie Guenther Loewen recently wrote a thoughtful blog post entitled The Gap in Mennonite Literature in which she lamented the thin to nonexistent portrayal of Mennonite theology in most contemporary Mennonite literature. While she does not wish to negate the difficult experiences of coming to voice articulated in this literature, such as Nomi Nickel's experience in A Complicated Kindness by Miriam Toews, she notes that younger Mennonites often find a supportive community in their Mennonite heritage for artistic creation. Her solution--more Mennonite writing from a new group of writers!
What do you think? Have you noticed this gap?
How does the Mennonite literature you've read contrast with or illuminate your own experience as a Mennonite or with Mennonites?
Does it serve to reinforce stereotypes or to open new perspectives?
When a literature is labeled as "ethnic" or "cultural," does that mean its theology will be of minimal significance?
Can creative, vibrant theology find its way into literature?
Does Mennonite Literary creation depend upon the portrayal of an "oppressive" religious structure that must be overthrown to liberate the "individual voice?"
