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In today’s world “politically correct” seems to be the popular buzz phrase. And if we’re Christians, heaven help us because that ups the ante.
Using prudence when handling hot-button topics seems wise.
We certainly don’t want to share our beliefs too loudly. That might offend.
We mustn’t be too bold, joyful, or overzealous in spreading the message of the Gospel. It might alienate.
And we can talk about Christmas trees, but heavenly days, remember to whisper “Merry Christmas.”
Of course, I’m speaking rather tongue-in-cheek about this ever-increasing mindset, yet I’m also quite serious.
Today’s political correctness concerns me on many levels. First, as a believer, I’m commanded to go forth and share the love of Jesus and the Truth of salvation. Second, it truly isn’t my intent to offend anyone. And third, I write Christian fiction (specifically faith-based romance) so it’s rather difficult to edit Christ out of my work. (As if I would want to.)
As writers of Christian fiction, we must be aware of society’s perceptions. We must stay in tune to changing trends, shifting attitudes, and differing viewpoints without feeling compelled to immediately judge. (Because, after all—here’s what God’s Word says about that—>Matthew 7:2-5)
In other words, we need to know what we believe, why we believe it, and choose carefully the best way to deliver it. To cry foul and espouse the unfairness of something only limits our voices. To consider alternatives is actually a better approach. A proactive approach.
I’ve chosen to do this in what I write. By writing stories that are faith-based and Christ-centered, it gives me a certain amount of control over the hot-button issue of “political correctness.”
How then are we to approach hot-button topics?
How do we keep Christ in Christian fiction without browbeating our readers, i.e. possible non-believers, with “religion”?
Demonstrate love. To openly criticize a person or group because of differing beliefs is inappropriate. (However—that’s not to say we cannot stand up for our beliefs. Yes. There is a difference.)
In Christian fiction, for characters to agree to disagree is sometimes the best route. That doesn’t mean we must compromise our moral or philosophical stance, but just like real life, as Christian novelists we’re called to choose our words, actions, and positions wisely. We’re not to shy away from or side-step the issue of salvation, but unless it’s a trait pertinent to our character, the tone of our novels shouldn’t be condescending or too preachy either. We don’t want to “turn off.” We want to “turn on” by drawing readers in.
Rising to the occasion. Writing demands a lot. Writing Christian fiction demands more. We’re not holier-than-thou. We’re beggars telling other beggars where we found bread.
Writers begin with a blank canvas and create fictional worlds that paint a story. As Christians, we have a responsibility to do our stories justice. If we’re lax when choosing the right colors (our plots), the potential for designing something noteworthy is lost. Also, we shouldn’t look at writing Christian fiction as restrictive, but rather, a call to action. There’s profound freedom in our fictional worlds when we hand the Holy Spirit our pen (or our keyboards.)
Realizing we’re just the messengers. It’s not up to us to save the world. (Praise God, He has a plan for that!)
As Christians, we’re to boldly tell others how they can know Jesus and how they, too, can have a personal relationship with Him. Once we’ve done this through our words and stories, the choice is now in our readers’ hands. They can choose to accept or reject our invitation. Some authors might pepper their stories with a lot of scripture because that’s their writing style. Some may use biblical imagery to advance their plot. And still others might prefer to subtly weave the salvation message throughout their story.
Our writing styles and methods may differ, but for those who pen Christian fiction, we should at least be on the same page.
Just with different words.
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Have you thought about your writing style? How do you keep Christ in your stories?
What turns you off in Christian fiction? What do you find exciting?
Blessings Always,
Comments 2
Beautifully said!
For me, Christ animates everything I do, and everything I write. I don’t have to try to put Him in, and I certainly can’t keep Him out. He’s pretty pushy.
That said, what turns me off some fiction – and many pastors and current apologists – is the issue of exclusivity.
He know that, as Christians, we are saved, but only through God’s grace, and to limit that grace based on our understanding is, I believe, hurtful.
Christ said that the person – gentile or Jew or pagan – who cared for the least of His children, did it for Him.
He also said that without God, no one could gain Heaven, but with God all things are possible. ALL things.
I’ve seen it in print that the Dalai Lama will go to hell. I simply don’t believe it, and feel that it turns many, many people away from Christianity.
We have to say – I think – that we know what is operative for us, and why. But ultimately, we have to leave the unanswered questions unanswered – except by the Almighty.
Author
Andrew, I think a lot of folks will be surprised one day when they realize they don’t have it all figured out. God has a way of enlightening us.
Here’s the rub for me—As scripture points out, there is one way to God the Father and that’s through Jesus Christ, His son. As long as I accept and believe this, it’s not up to me to play philosopher. I wish I had all the answers, but I clearly don’t. And that’s probably a good thing!