Into the Fire

The fact is you can always tell when an individual has not read much CBA fiction. They have a notion of what it is which isn’t correct. Maybe it once was and maybe in some of the specific imprints it is, but the fact of the matter is that CBA fiction deals with topics ranging from adultery, to spousal abuse, to child sexual abuse, to homosexuality, to multiple kinds of drug and alcohol addictions, to sexual promiscuity, to abortion, to unwed pregnancies, to homelessness, to loss of faith, to murder, to espionage, to lying, cheating, stealing, and I think you get my drift.

People who haven’t read recent Christian fiction seem to think it’s all about Amish communities, evangelical stories with cardboard characters and preachy messages, and prairie romances. The facts are the prairie romances and Amish stories are produced in the CBA and have a large and faithful following—which in the business sense translates to the steady intake of dollars, aka profit. Few writers will dispute the benefits of making a profit since most of them desire to make a living from full-time writing.

Most people who haven’t read much CBA fiction are quick to criticize it for its restrictions and/or requirements. Keeping in mind the range of topics I listed above, there remain few unrealistic taboos in this market. “Graphics” might be the big-ee. If you want to read graphic accounts of the specifics of sexual encounters now described as erotica, you’ll need to visit a different market for your fiction. If you need to see specific four-letter words spouted and spelled out indiscriminately for a story to feel “real” to you, general market fiction is filled with the frequent use of the f-word in all of its variables. If you desire to find bestiality and other perversions portrayed in any favorable form, probably better not look for them in inspirational fiction.

Those who haven’t read current Christian fiction also don’t realize that not all of it is evangelical. In fact some of it is vague about anything to do with God, let alone Jesus or the Holy Spirit. Yet many of those authors who incorporate the gospel do it beautifully and effectively just as it can occur in the course of our lives—or just as it should occur anyway.

From science fiction to fantasy to vampires to demons and angels to heinous serial killers—it’s all there in what is known as CBA or Christian fiction. Sold in Christian bookstores. If not present on the shelves, easily ordered by employees. If you only shop at Borders or Barnes & Noble, you can find a small selection of what Christian fiction has to offer but not much yet. The CBA publishers keep pressing in on those secular establishments desiring to peddle their books to them, and the reception has warmed and the interest expanded in recent times. The availability of CBA fiction online is unlimited.

The criticism leveled at Christian fiction whether it be at the quality of or restrictions upon the writing speaks of a shallow knowledge of what’s available in this ever expanding market. And you can always tell . . .

Father, thank you for godly people writing what you have given them to write. May we who write put our obedience to you above all else and be content with what you have for us to do in the kingdom. Help us to be faithful to your plans for us and stay the course whatever it is. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.

*Please pray for Kristy Dykes and her family.*

**How is Kristy?**

“She slept most of Tuesday, but ate and then had confusion in the night. She is weaker and speech is harder.

She had a weak smile and praise in her heart as she drifted off into sleep last night.

This is a new day, we will rejoice and be glad!

Please keep praying for Kristy and us.” (Milton, Kristy’s husband)