Into the Fire

The recent series on change in the CBA/Christian publishing arena provided several different perspectives from professionals in the industry. Comments from individuals presented both agreement and additional views.

In the aftermath of this important topic I’m reflective of different aspects of the discussion. I continually learn things about myself and my thinking on this topic as others give their opinions and state their convictions.

So. Here are some of my thoughts in the aftermath . . .

The publishers of CBA material can certainly produce anything they desire on their dime. However, if they truly want to reach all of their potential audience, they will seriously consider the limitations of the reach of the majority of their fiction.

Any writer should desire to produce the best he/she can possibly write after understanding grammar and the skills of the writing craft. This will invariably be different from writer to writer.

The marketing skills of CBA publishing might be their weakest link.

Okay, on the additional topic where so many believers also disagree is in the labeling of fiction as “Christian fiction” and the separation this presents in secular bookstores (i.e Borders, Barnes&Noble) and for readers. “Christian” bookstores aren’t the normal stops for unbelieving readers. And unbelievers generally aren’t looking for anything with a predominant or obvious theme related to Christianity. If the story is vague enough and merely suggests the possibility of Christianity, most unbelievers won’t react negatively if it’s a good story. If the spirituality leaves the door wide open to a universalistic probability, all the better for an unbeliever, speaking strictly from their worldview.

Knowing God ministers in ways only He can do, no one can blame the writer who is a Christian to approach writing his story in different ways. God appoints our roles in the broad spectrum of His arts and asks only for our obedience and our best efforts. The criticism for those who step outside the boxes man has designed for Christian writers comes from people who, for whatever reason, take offense at another’s chosen path, assuming the author must be heeding his flesh rather than instructions from the Spirit.

The variety factor should allow the writer to pursue the direction God has given him without criticism from his fellow writers and his readers. “Should” being the operative word.

Father, if all we do is aim to please you with our obedience, that’s all that should matter. If we’re wrong, correct us. Help us to follow you and not attempt to go beyond what you have for us. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.