Into the Fire

Have you established criteria for what you expect to find when reading Christian fiction? I think it’s safe to say many readers do. The expectations vary according to the genres, but they also vary based on readers’ favorite authors and a formulated general standard assessed by individual readers – "standards” which often result in requirements by these readers. Standards which when not met cause the complaints we discussed not too long ago here.

I know some of us who read a Christian novel by an author we’ve never sampled hope to find an organic approach to spiritual occurrences. There aren’t any requirements necessary other than an authentic approach to any faith elements within the story including those addressing the unseen factors when they materialize into the physical realm. (A note here to fantasy fans: I’m not discussing your genre here.)

What I don’t want to experience in a supposedly Christian novel are token Christians whose faith is marginal at best spouting Christian-ese and uttering quick prayers in crisis as the protagonists. I guess you could say this is a requirement for my reading pleasure.

Christianity demands a certain boldness. However, that boldness shows itself in so many variations because our Creator doesn’t use monochrome in designing his characters (us). We can see ourselves in others, but dissected we’re different. We can share similar emotions, desires, talents, and skills, but somewhere our individualism will separate us and make us unique. That unique approach to portraying Christianity in literature is what can make a story sterling, satisfying, even superb.

So are you as tough on general market fiction as you are on Christian fiction? Do you apply a double standard to your assessments?  

Lord, may we write as you have gifted us, being obedient to what you set before us. May we listen and be directed by your Spirit and no one else. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.