For those who write Christian fiction, it can sometimes be an uphill battle to dispel the various fallacies that abound.
I have to admit though, I’m still surprised by the notion that if one pens novels with spiritual themes, then regardless what the story’s about, it must be boring with a capital “B.” I have to wonder if the detractors have actually read some of the same books I have, or if their opinions are based solely on some of society’s perceptions.
A few weeks ago, I was talking with someone who indicated that he found faith-based fiction “stilted,” “ho-hum,” and “too predictable.” I asked “Joe” (not his real name) why he felt that way and what particular books he’d read to base his opinion on. There was a long pause.
“Well, okay, I can’t think of anything I’ve read recently, but all I have to do is read the back cover to know they’re all alike. Those types of books may have different stories, but the overall message is still the same. They all want to point us toward Christ.”
Well…duh. I think my jaw must have dropped. Yes, that’s exactly the point of Christian fiction.
I don’t know what surprised me the most–Joe’s extreme narrow-mindedness or his inability to grasp the obvious: he hadn’t a clue really what he was talking about. It disappointed me that he’d “judged a book by its cover” without ever actually opening the very thing he was dissing. (It always saddens me when folks prejudge before knowing.)
This incident replayed in my mind for days afterward. I wondered if our thinking (regarding anything Christian) has become skewed because of the day and time we’re living in, or could it be that folks are just more vocal about their opinions?
I was reminded of a blog post I’d written earlier about church and our perceptions, too, of people who do and don’t attend church.
Shifting gears a bit, here’s what I said: Generally speaking, I think we tend to judge folks too harshly when they don’t (attend church). I think, too, some of the finest Christians on this planet are not church-goers for a myriad of reasons: health issues, circumstances beyond their control, work conflicts, feelings of unworthiness, and a host of other things.
Now, that being said, it’s my personal opinion (but scripture does bear out) that, as Christians, we are to “assemble ourselves with fellow believers.” How can we carry out the “great commission” if we don’t continue to grow along with others who are like-minded? That’s not to say that we can’t continue to bear fruit on our own through the study of God’s word and real-life application. For me, it’s just easier if I’m in sync with others who hold me accountable. Does that make sense?
In the fictional worlds that I create, I focus more on my characters’ personal walks with Christ and their relationships with Him. They may or may not be on a particular church roll; I try to integrate that in from time to time, but I focus a bit more on the salvation message first.
It’s not necessary that I thump my readers over their heads with supersaturation of “religion.” Instead, I try to let my characters lead by example. Their choices and the paths they take throughout the story are part of the learning curve. Through their faults, foibles, and ultimately, successes, readers are allowed to see where my characters come from and where they are going in terms of their Christian walk. Becoming a regular church-goer might not be on their radar yet, but I usually try to nudge them in that direction if I can.
Like anything in life, opportunities are missed because of closed mindsets and preconceived notions, whether it be reading a book with a Christ-centered message or whether we unwittingly judge others in their daily walk with the Father. Ouch.
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How do we dispel the myth, to believers and unbelievers, that Christian fiction is boring? In a novel, do you think it’s important to portray characters as churchgoers, or do you prefer to see their Christian walk demonstrated and lived out through daily life applications?
Comments 6
Funny, I actually messaged with a woman on goodreads yesterday. I was scrolling through reviews of a particular book I had begun reading as a comparable and she gave the book 1 star. I read her review and it was pretty rough. She said the writing wasn’t bad and some of the suspense was good, but enough with the “Jesus stuff” she didn’t write the word “stuff”. I was curious, what is “preachy” and what is not? She was super nice as we messaged and she let me ask her questions. Turns out she didn’t know it was a “Jesus” book; it was a free download. I finished the book for myself and I know many Christians will love it and feel ministered to, but for someone who isn’t…yeah, it might have been a bit preachy–laying out the ABC’s of salvation through dialogue rather then like you said, following the character as an example of what or what not to do.
Good topic today, Cynthia. Sorry I wrote a book in the comment section. lol 🙂
Author
Jessica, I loved your “book”! And you can write one here anytime. 🙂
And in novels/stories leading by example, vs. the ABC’s of salvation through dialogue alone, may sometimes be the better path. When I write, I always try to think of how a non-believer or a newer Christian would perceive my points and try to adjust to that mindset without watering down the Gospel. It’s too bad that the reader felt “cheated” in some way. I pray that maybe she’ll give Christian fiction another chance.
This is such a tough topic, Cynthia, but you tackled it with grace. I’ve noticed the trend Jessica mentioned, where readers get a freebie book and then later write a review slamming the book for its religious content.
Here’s where I come from….It’s all about knowing our audience. (This assumes that we’re making the internal journey authentic to the characters regardless.) If our audience is fringe churchgoers or non-churchgoers, then we should recognize that and treat the story accordingly. For me, I believe my primary target audience will be churchgoers. And that means that if I have a little church and Jesus in there, it might convict them rather than condemn them. In the end, we all have to be obedient to the call God has placed on us for our writing. And if we’re doing that, even those people who wrote negative reviews may later remember our stories and come to Him.
Author
I couldn’t agree more, Sarah.
Like you, my primary target audience will be churchgoers, with the hope that if there are some readers who don’t have a personal relationship with Jesus that they would want to know more.
Cynthia, your comment to Sarah is exactly how I feel about my writing. I want my characters to be church goers and show their Christian walk. I believe it should go hand in hand. Don’t forget Hebrews 10:25; “Let us not give up the habit of meeting together, as some are doing. Instead, let us encourage one another all the more, since you see that the Day of the Lord is coming nearer.” (GNT) I also try to not make my characters perfect people, because as Christians were are not perfect. I think they become more believeable.
Great Post! Thanks.
Author
Leading by example, Alisa, is one of the greatest influences/opportunities we have in life, as well as through our words as Christian fiction writers. And to show the fallibility of our characters demonstrates to others that Christ works in ALL situations, not just the “perfect” ones.
Thanks so much for your comment!