Into the Fire

Originally posted as "Why Christian Fiction Matters" on 12/02/2012. (Some additions to the original post.)

If you read a steady diet of general market fiction, you're probably familiar with generous portions of worldly philosophies associated with secular humanism which include erotic/graphic examples of those philosophies.

We know there are Christian authors who write for the general market, some who've chosen this career path from the beginning and experienced success. Other authors started their publishing careers in the Christian fiction industry but crossed over to the general market.

The reasons for crossing over to the general market range from the desire for a larger market for their particular style or genre to the imposed restrictions by CBA publishers which interfere with an author's creative choices.

Primary complaints regarding Christian fiction appear in both legitimate commentary and from those who simply don't prefer the strong spiritual content. The legitimate commentary is less critical, more observational, and usually formed after reading a considerable amount of all kinds of fiction. Other criticisms have been offered after reading a significantly limited amount of Christian fiction with a seemingly built-in resistance or prejudice to anything that portrays honest spirituality. However, what both of these types include as their common thread is the "preachiness" of Christian fiction.

I've read widely in the Christian fiction market, and I write Christian novels. I know what it is to read and write preachy fiction. In reality I think it can be done well and poorly. And I've read both kinds. One point that is ignored by some who read in the general market is that sometimes those authors also get preachy concerning their views within the secular humanism "theology".

Christian authors write to entertain, minister, give hope, and add meaning to simple and difficult life subjects. Each one recognizes the purpose of committing words to the page and mostly takes their instruction from the Lord of his or her life. These authors write in many different genres, styles, and voices. Christianity shows up demonstrably or quietly. Bold or covert. In a few CBA novels the gospel isn't really present, and in others conversion is explained.

Christian authors in the general market often state their worldview permeates their stories without making the "God-thing" obvious. They insist they can reach a lot more unbelievers with subtlety. And who can argue with them? No one can say for sure exactly what and how writers will be used. The important thing is to obey whatever God has for each one of us.

But I think it's important to emphasize the case for Christian fiction, why it matters in the world of the publishing industry. There are many excellent authors who pen Christian fiction. They deal with life issues, hard ones. They offer hope in the midst of tragedy, both overtly and covertly. Some of these books can be given as gifts to the lost – preferably with the Lord's direction. Giving Jesus a place in fiction by portraying who He is and what He offers must be done organically within a story and meaningfully with the best of prose. Because there is nothing more valuable in this hard life than offering Jesus Christ as the only true lifeline in a lost world filled with secular philosophies that add nothing of eternal value. This is why Christian fiction matters.

Father, may all your authors and writers be obedient to your desires for them above all others. That's my desire. Help me to be just that. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.