Into the Fire

. . . this is what I mean. Christianity will be spoken of, practiced by some, and not a hidden part of the story. God will be a prominent character even if He's in the background because He will provide motivation for many of the actions contemplated and performed by those characters who embrace Him. Not all characters will necessarily be believers. In fact, many might not. There may only be one Christian in the entire book, but readers will know what that character believes and represents.

Some authors who are Christians get riled up about the term Christian Fiction and declare defiantly that books/stories cannot be "Christian", that Christian is not an adjective. However, today's descriptions of everything from color to political positions are labeled with words and phrases that aren't used as their natural identifier (i.e. noun, adjective, etc.). Christian Fiction explains to the reader what could be inside to enable them to select the novel based on an honest depiction of what they might encounter. It's particularly annoying when a review of a Christian novel cites its religious content as the reason for a one-star assessment. What did they expect if its properly labeled?

There are degrees of Christian in the fiction. Some are bold, some are subtle. Some Christian authors prefer vague references to God and prayer. Some include the full Gospel in their stories. These factors often determine who their readers will be.

I have found excellent writers in both types. I have been disappointed with both types. So much depends on the preferences of readers – genres, writing quality, differences in belief systems, depths of characters on either side of faith.

What say you?

Father, I am nothing without you and apart from you, I can do nothing. My desire is to honor you with my writing. May it be so. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.