Into the Fire

While there are certainties in our faith, those things that none of us as Christians dispute, we unfortunately have our differences as well. Perhaps in the beginning of our knowledge and faith in Jesus Christ, we would become insecure or feel threatened by differing theology. As we mature in our faith, we tend to broaden our scope of God and stretch our acceptance of those doctrines or claims with which we have disagreement(s). We acknowledge that where the critical definition of salvation matters, we at least have that in common, so, basically we agree to disagree on the finer points of our theologies.

However, when someone makes an authoritative assertion that because of a point of doctrine difference, the differing opinion indicates the holder of that opinion is not a believer, it grates on us since we have no doubt whatsoever that we are saved by the precious Blood of the Lamb (Jesus Christ, Son of God) given in death on the Cross to redeem our sorry, sinful souls.

Likewise, but of course to a lesser extent, it grates on me when writers make authoritative claims about certain attributes of writing. As many writers as there are, both published and awaiting publication, it is actually ridiculous to assume or assert that certain kinds of writing or writers demonstrate less ability, quality, attractiveness in storytelling, than others. Stephen King cites both Ernest Hemingway and William Faulkner as geniuses in their writing skills. While I enjoyed some of Hemingway’s stories, I detested his writing skills. His writing was like starvation, desperately hungry for more words—which as it turned out he diligently and intentionally sought to decrease to skeleton fare and succeeded. William Faulkner is one of my least favorite authors (polite speak for I hated his work or intensely disliked it anyway). Absolutely one of the most difficult authors I’ve ever had to read. I’ve never read Stephen King’s novels, but I read his entertaining book On Writing which gave ample evidence of his creative skills—even in non-fiction.

Author Dan Brown of Da Vinci Code fame is said by many to be a hack who happened to write about an intriguing premise. (Intriguing maybe to those who wish there was any other way to God except through Jesus Christ.) Writers and readers can argue incessantly about skills, the craft, the talented and untalented, styles, and types of writing, and repeat the same points and counterpoints ad nauseum—and with all the learned qualifications to document what only turns out to be “opinion”.

“Art” is ultimately subjective. Some professionals lampoon certain bestselling novels, scratching their collective heads about a book they feel is inferior in every way. What they basically insist is that the audience is unsophisticated, not intellectually gifted, a “common” and uneducated lot who wouldn’t recognize good writing if it bit them in the . . . eyes?

You can argue until your temples pulse about what you believe to be “quality” prose and what you think is mindless garbage, but it doesn’t really matter because if you desire to be published, you will dance to the particular drum roll of the publishing house musicians (aka pub boards) you prefer. And if they rave about your skill but your books don’t sell, you won’t be invited back for another performance after your first couple of concerts.

So a writer or any literary professional can whine about the audience’s taste in books, but in the biz of publishing—Christian publishing, too—money is the language spoken. I think it’s amusing that few people challenge the professionals’ tastes other than to slam the CBA with criticisms which are usually charged by those who haven’t read more than a couple CBA books in years or have a desire to read what they consider more literary (code for “quality”) literature and claim they can’t find it in the CBA.

Those who are given the skills and direction to write fiction, who are called by God to do this writing thing, must realize the heart of the matter is obedience to Him, not pleasing some self-appointed judge of skills or even some gifted editor. The writers are as diverse as the people themselves, and no one who has worked to hone his skills and develop his craft should have to read or listen to people berate their type/style of writing.

Ultimately, once more and still again, it’s not about us, our preferences and opinions. It’s about doing what God through His Spirit has told us to do. And somehow, some way, that usually involves pointing to His Son Jesus Christ.

Father, I’ve done things my way and failed miserably in the past. I know you have the best to offer, the right road, the perfect plan. I want to be in the place you have for me, and I don’t want to veer off that track. Lead me, guide my steps to follow hard after you. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.