Into the Fire

Passionate thoughts about the world of writing and the Power of God

Rebel: (in verb definition) To refuse allegiance to and oppose by force an established government or ruling authority. 2.To resist or defy any authority or generally accepted convention. 3.To feel or express strong unwillingness or repugnance.

 

Rebel: (noun) A person who rebels or is in rebellion.

 

Christians know that the term “in rebellion” is not good. I am not in rebellion to my faith in Jesus Christ.

 

I am in rebellion to the generally accepted conventions of multiple specifics in my life. However, to keep this on topic of recent posts, I can say to you I am a rebel when it comes to writing as defined by “generally accepted conventions” in Christian literature. This does not mean I condemn those conventions or even seriously criticize them even though a few of them are repugnant to me. On the contrary I am for the norm but not if it retains an exclusivity that disallows certain types of stories which merely stretch those conventions without outright defying and desecrating them.

 

The general fiction-reading public is huge. Diverse. The Christian reading public is also huge and much more flexible than current CBA publishing allows.

 

The only way I can “justify” my rebellion is to believe it matters. At some level, my rebellion must exist because my convictions insist upon it. It’s not a source of pride, of individualism, or even of simple preference. It’s a required position I’ve not only taken but that which has been thrust upon me. Being a rebel isn’t a fun thing, but sometimes it’s a necessary thing.  

 

Lord, you know my heart. Direct it constantly toward you. Apart from you I can do nothing. It’s all about you. Help me to honor you always. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.  

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4 responses to “On being a rebel . . .”

  1. Lynda Fischer Avatar
    Lynda Fischer

    Exclusivity/convention in any art form is inherently going to stifle creativity. Being creative is to be unconventional. I believe that our creator is beautifully unconventional (witness the doctrine of grace) and full of creativity (the diversity of the human animal). I was recently contemplating standard writing conventions lately, after reading two Pulitzer Prize wining novels…The Shipping News, and Beloved. It struck me that these novels are wholly unique, and almost gleefully dance all over those writing and publishing rules I’ve read so much about.
    I agree with the statement that the conventions are not inherently disagreeable (paraphrase), but to limit the scope of storytelling to those conventions closes the door on the unexpected, and it’s always the unexpected that causes the world to sit up and take notice. And, in a more practical way, sell copy.
    A fellow rebel…;)

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  2. Nicole Avatar

    Exactly, Lynda! So well said. It’s good to “see” you here. Thanks for stopping by and leaving such a meaningful comment.

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  3. Melissa Marsh Avatar

    Great post. I abandoned writing for the CBA because I felt as though the “rules” were stifling my voice. I want to write the truth, not a watered-down version of it.
    I am in a study group right now of other Christian artists (photographers, writers, painters, etc.) and we are discussing how we need to bring out truth in our work. It’s been fascinating and so wonderful to be with other Christian artists.
    Glad to have found your blog!

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  4. Nicole Avatar

    Glad to have you here, Melissa. You know your thoughts bring a similar tone to so many others. I hope we can make a difference at some point.
    It sounds like a wonderful group–one that will contribute to the message of Christ with truth and beauty. Excellent.

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