Into the Fire

When unbelievers in Christianity "happen" upon a Christian novel, some of them accuse the author of having an agenda. They proceed to criticize, mock, or generally degrade the story, plot, and message because to them it smacks of propagandizing fiction. Writers know authors are capable of this in both novels and films, but somehow the agenda is ignored by unbelievers if it's a secular message – especially if it agrees with the reader's own agenda.

Funny how believers can overlook the humanistic and/or politically correct message/agenda in a novel or film if the book or movie is well done, interesting, or captivating story-wise. Not so with many unbelievers reading or viewing Christian fiction or film. Believers are far more likely to be unforgiving to their own (i.e. My Stubborn Heart by Becky Wade).

I would agree that some Christian fiction forces an agenda within their storylines. The over-explaining of Christian reasoning and sermonettes within a story dictate just how an author wants his audience to understand doctrinal goings-on in what constitutes the author's version of a Christian lifestyle. However, the mere mention of Jesus or the establishing of a Christian character can cause some unbelievers to rant about the "religious" inclusions in the story as if this shouldn't be allowed as a part of literature. Novels are given one-star reviews on Amazon because there is a Christian element in the story, obviously foiling the enjoyment for the specific reader. [As a side note, I find it baffling how these particular readers stumble upon reading a Christian novel in the first place since most every one of them alludes to the "religious" content in the back cover copy.]

We know from the words of Jesus that if "they" hated Him, they will certainly hate us as well. We know we tend to be the "underdog" in fiction, that we have our "own" fan base, that proportionately we produce "bad" literature just like the general market does, and that Christianity can be an offense to the world. Well-written or ill-written, if a reader holds a grudge against his perception of Christianity, one mention of Jesus might put him over the edge if he is somehow "tricked" into reading a Christian novel. The mindset of Christian novelists who wish to reach the world with their fiction must pray the Holy Spirit is actively pursuing the hearts of their projected and targeted audience.

I contend that many Christian authors present an option in their fiction. Both worldly and Christian characters make up the body of most books. Contrasts, differences, and similarities of struggles are written into the story. Empathy is coaxed for characters, emotional investment elicited, and outcomes vary according to life choices and those unseen elements which sometimes can't be easily explained. Hope, fear, failure, and all kinds of imaginative circumstances contribute to a character's resolve and the way the story ends. With no specific agenda other than presenting an option of how to approach life on planet earth. With or without the Lord. The ultimate choice for us all.

Father, our desire is you. Help us to honor you in our writing. You're all we're livin' for. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.