In today’s world “politically correct” seems to be the hot buzz phrase. And if we’re Christians, heaven help us because that ups the ante.
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 “politically 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.
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 more of 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 keep Christ in our 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. In Christian fiction, for characters to agree to disagree is sometimes the best route. That’s not to say that, as writers, we must compromise our moral or philosophical stance, but just like in “real” life, 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 alot. Writing Christian fiction demands more. 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 in 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 had a plan for that!) As Christians, we’re to boldly, unashamedly 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?
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Please join me again on Monday when I’ll dish about the goosebump factor and kissing within faith-based romance. (Yes! I’m going there!)
Comments 14
What a wonderful stand! It has saddened me over the past few years to see the trend in Christian fiction to “down-play” Christ. I don’t mind down-playing long sermons (which were quite the thing a few years back) nor to I mind making the characters face difficult circumstances that can’t be easily answered– but it makes me sad to see the shallow to non-existent faith that is being trumpeted through novels. Our whole lives, which includes our writing, should point back to the redeeming salvation of Jesus Christ.
Author
I think in Christian fiction it’s so important to consider Christ as the motivating factor behind our stories. Granted, we all have various writing styles and our way of sharing will possibly differ from others. We want our “voice” to be unique, but not at the expense of discounting the main message which is to share our faith.
Thanks so much for your comment, Natasha!
I love your points on this post. I write as one character leading someone to the gate (Jesus) but it’s up to them to walk through. I can only hope the message in my stories show this. It’s subtle and surprising in the end.
Great post.
Author
Sometimes, it’s those gentle nudges that can have the most profound impact. I look forward to reading your novels one day, Loree!
Wonderful post as always, Cynthia. 🙂 Being a Christian is about
being bold in our faith, not hitting people over the heads with
our Bibles, but not timidly sharing our beliefs either. Being a
Christian is letting your light shine, and when people ask you
why your are so “shiny,” replying, “Because Jesus loves me
so much… ” (not that you have to wait for people to ask).
Political correctness is a sneaky way to water down the Gospel.
I’m not sorry to say that Jesus said, “I am the Way, the Truth,
and the Life, and NO one comes to the Father except through
me.” This does not leave room for those who advocate the
falsity that all religions lead to Heaven. Thank you for taking
such a clarified stand. 🙂
Author
Depending on the issue, taking a stand on “hot button” topics is rarely easy, but as we mature in Christ we realize He’s a Truth that’s non-negotiable.
Thank you, Tanya, for your kind words and for letting your light shine so brightly!
I write inspirational fiction because I want the freedom to infuse my stories with my faith. I make no apologies for it. When strangers ask me what I write I don’t just say historical romance. I say I write inspirational or Christian historical romance. I could just say historical romance, but I’d be leaving out a vital part of my stories if I did.
Author
I absolutely agree, Keli!
When people ask what I write, I tell them “Contemporary Christian romance.” The word “romance” in itself seems to spark a lot of interest, and add “Christian” or “Inspirational” to that speaks volumes about the content.
Keli is absolutely right. To say that I write contemporary romance would be leaving out the most vital ingredient–I write inspirational or Christian contemporary romance. I want my stories to show how He loves to be in the details of our lives and in Him we always find hope.
Author
Agreed, Rita! (See my reply to Keli above.) Leaving out that one key word would be doing a disservice to our writing ministry.
Thanks so much for your comment!
What a great post, Cynthia. You’re right…There’s no reason for us to apologize or hold back the words God has called us to write. I believe He’ll honor our obedience regardless of what others say.
Author
I agree, Sarah. And the hard things and difficult choices are what grow us personally, professionally, and spiritually.
I always enjoy reading your blog and comments. I’m glad to see there are many voices getting out the Message. All the above names have been added to my prayer journal, to God be the glory, ladies!
Author
Patti, I truly thank God for you! What an encourager and prayer warrior you are! Blessings, my friend!