Over the years here on this blog we've examined all kinds of writing topics. I've asked authors and other professionals in the industry to define "Christian Fiction". I've asked the question regarding what different authors and insiders in the publishing industry desire to see change in Christian Fiction. Many answered anonymously because they held some trepidation about the overall responses from their "bosses" or colleagues in the biz. From the techniques, styles, POVs, voices, to even adverbs: we've talked about it here.
We've argued at times over who the "average reader" is, why I think it's possible writers can make lousy reviewers, and who defines quality in the art of writing.
Now over the last two days a romance novel has dredged up the conflict of what "should" and "shouldn't" be included in Christian Fiction. Again.
So I'm going to state my opinion on this matter (again), and I hope you'll have the time to contribute yours. The reason for this is because the public forum presented by the various online booksellers or social media for reviewing books of all kinds also gives voice to readers who write shrill, daggered, mean-spirited, and close-minded opinions of Christian novels. Hey, free speech, baby. Just because it's "free" doesn't make it right or well done. I'm going to address the Christian reviewers here.
In reality the only ones in publishing who decide the shoulds and should nots are the publishers. Most of them give a mission statement or have some sort of protocol for whatever they decide to publish. With most Christian publishers, they call it a mission statement. No matter how it's worded, chances are if they slip a story in there which contains the words or apparently a few of the activities mentioned in Becky Wade's novel, look out. The Christian Fiction Police are on the job and ready to arrest whoever's responsible for disappointing their senses of right and wrong, and what should be included in Christian Fiction and what should not according to their particular judgments, assessments, and evaluations of spiritual literature.
I'm weary of this brood. First of all it's not the decision of the reader what should or shouldn't be included in any novel. Although they're the ones who choose to purchase – or possibly receive a copy free for review – no one insists they finish a story they start and no one demands they enjoy it. I wish I had a dollar for every novel I didn't like. However, if I'm not reading it for review, I'll just file it under "a waste of time" and forget about it. If I'm obligated to review a novel I don't like, I'll certainly give my reasons but definitely not from the standpoint of determining its "fitness" for Christian Fiction. That ship has sailed, and I wish those who complain about the contents of novels "offending" them would dismount their high horses and just write that the story didn't meet their standards. The criticisms of Becky Wade's My Stubborn Heart appeared so graceless and shallow when the readers resorted to citing the poker playing, Yoga, word choices, and a casual date as unacceptable for Christian novels. This is precisely where the stereotypical, legalistic, holier-than-thou parodies originate. Their words remind me of "resounding gongs" and "clanging cymbals".
Understand that everyone's opinion can matter but doesn't necessarily. Reviewing novels quite honestly can reveal our weaknesses as individuals, as writers, and as Christians. The shoulds and shouldn'ts people invariably expose things about themselves better left hidden – or preferably addressed between them and God.
Thank you, Jesus. You gave it all for all of us. May we honor you with our words, thoughts, actions, and prayers. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.
Into the Fire 
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