Into the Fire

Two Things

 

If you’ve read this blog for any length of time, would you mind giving your opinion as to what makes you return to read yet another post?

 

And . . .

 

Is there anything you would like to ask me about myself?

 

 

God, here am I. Use me. Apart from you I can do nothing. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.

 

Real in Writing

 

Real writing conjures up mental images of favorite novels and, lo, those books can be stark opposites for different readers and even moreso for writers of tomes.

 

When applying the “real” moniker to Christian fiction, some writers scoff or snicker at the mere suggestion. Doesn’t compute for them.

 

But let’s face it: reality for all of us bares contrasts—physically, emotionally, and spiritually. How and where we’ve grown up, our family situations, our choices and decisions and how they’ve affected our views, our lifestyles, our writing . . . all produce immense differences or amazing similarities.

 

The bond Christians share is Christ, but how we came to know Him, our relationships with Him, our devotion to Him, and all the nuances of our obedience to what He asks of us—sometimes we’re stretched apart and straining for connective tissue.

 

Writing real also brings with it a slew of argumentative claims and positions and justifications and provocations. Each point usually possesses some validity. But probably not enough to convince the champions of either side to convert to their reasoning.

 

. . . real?

 

Some Thursday thoughts . . .

 

 

God, let us be true to what you have for us to do. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.

Commentary Too

 

Yesterday Brenda Anderson left this comment:

 

It's the belief that CBA fiction is subpar that led me to begin writing reviews a few years back. I volunteered in our church library at that time and found that the majority of our church members avoided the library--particularly fiction--because they believed everything was sweet & fluffy. As someone who reads a ton, and I try to read from all genres, I can honestly say that CBA fiction comprises far more than simple & sweet. So, I started writing book reviews (or recommendations, to be more accurate) for our church newsletter, reviews of quality CBA fiction--reviews of books that were different from the simple & sweet stereotype.

 

Nicole, you mentioned Steven James, Lisa Samson, Chris Fabry. All excellent, excellent writers, comparable to anyone. How about Athol Dickson? Dale Cramer, Tosca Lee, Charles Martin ... I could name many more. Here in Minnesota, Julie Klassen has gone up against general market writers in book award competitions and has won.

 

Maybe once upon a time it was true that Christian fiction was subpar. I honestly don't believe that's the case any more, and I'm a very picky reader. Sure, I have to wade through many books to find one that's great, but that's true in the general market too. To me, the big question is, how do we overcome the stereotype?

 

The subpar label is often attached to Christian fiction by readers who first and foremost have probably read less than 20 novels in the overall genre. These readers sometimes lean toward philosophical and/or literary offerings in the general market and consider themselves open-minded. Please note I’ve used the telling words of “probably” and “sometimes”. If I’d read a smattering of novels in the general market in one or two genres, I would be honest enough to admit I’m no judge of the overall market. Most of my reading outside Christian fiction came a long time ago and included the likes of Dostoevsky, Hemingway, Salinger, D. H. Lawrence, Ken Kesey, Kafka, Daphne duMaurier, Ayn Rand, and so on to name a few. In recent times my general market fare consists primarily of Vince Flynn, and I’ve read one Tom Clancy, one Brian Haig, and I’ve got a Tess Gerritsen waiting in the wings. My Christian fiction numbers exceed 300 novels and counting.

 

If you’ll glance above at the authors named by Brenda Anderson and me, you’ve got distinct styles and voices and other than Steven James’ thrillers, several of those authors lean toward the literary, certainly in quality of writing and unusual plotting.

 

As I told Brenda in my reply to her comment, I have no idea how to get readers to move beyond stereotyping Christian fiction as subpar or to be fair in their assessments based on comparative value. It’s probably true that a large percentage of published novels are very average in either markets as both Brendas and I suggested, but no one thinks a thing about it when discussing the value of general market fare because of the authors who’ve managed to merit huge success with highly acclaimed quality writing.

 

So. Could it be or is it in fact the possibility of including the gospel or suggesting the lifestyle of Christianity in some of Christian fiction that is done so inorganically or so clumsily or so “religiously” as to cause the negative reactions from some readers? Is it the “Christian factor” which grates on the mentalities of certain readers?

 

Or is it the commonality of language usage, clichéd plots, and perceived happy endings that stir up negative commentary? Because certainly all of these factors are present in much of the general market fare as well.

 

Or is it the perceived general lack of gritty, gut-level circumstances that is evident in some of the lighter-weight stories in Christian fiction but certainly not evident and very much exposed in the offerings of the above authors, that sends some readers into criticism of the genre?

 

Brenda A. is correct in stating it takes a lot of reading to discover true gems in either market, but that’s what makes those novels special.

 

It makes one wonder about the expectations of certain readers when they pick up a novel from either market. Is there a different standard used to evaluate the stories?

 

 

Father, here we are again. One of the most precious things to me in light of my redemption is that you’re no respecter of persons. Thank you so much for that. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.   

Commentary . . .

 

From Brenda Jackson’s comment yesterday:

 

Where does "Christian" fiction fit in my life? I read a thriller this weekend by John Gilstrap called Threat Warning. One of the best books I've read in ages. A few minor swear words? Yes. A little trash talking slang in a few parts? Yes. But filled with tension--it was so hard for me to put it down. So in the last six or seven years, the two really high quality (subjectively determined by me) books I've liked (the other being These Is My Words by Nancy Turner) were both general market fiction. So again that makes me ask myself the question: Why do I not find knock-my-socks-off fiction in CBA? Am I just mean and harsh? Am I a heathen who doesn't know how to appreciate the faith message? Am I still that sinful? Honestly, I don't know. In reading Threat Warning and comparing it to other books I've read in CBA, one of the things that comes to mind is that it seems for people who write for the general market, they feel freer to be more emotionally raw and real life. I don't mean gross or disgusting but it just seems somehow a book like that strips away the facades and gets down to real life without reserve or hesitation. Perhaps I'm just not feeling that same thing when I read CBA fic.

 

I think Brenda, to be fair, would reiterate that CBA fiction rarely produces her ideal tastes in novels. She, generally speaking, prefers historicals without the ever-present and dominant romance factor inserted into and overtaking most every story. So, for Brenda, there’s strike one against it right off the bat. (Don’t ya just love the cliché baseball metaphors?) 

 

She brings up again (for those who follow the debates on blogs) the language “thing” evidenced in most general market fare, but she also wonders if those authors writing for the general market aren’t somehow “freer to [write] more emotionally raw and [true to] real life.” This claim inevitably causes jawing and jeering and cajoling from various positions within the spectrum of Christians who write fiction.

 

I haven’t had the chance to ask Brenda if she’s read Robert Liparulo, Steven James, or J. Mark Bertrand. Their fiction is on a par with any general market author in the thriller or noir procedurals. And if you’re looking for further quality writing, look to Lisa Samson and Chris Fabry, just to name a couple, for contemporary stories that offer uncommon storylines.

 

If anyone walks into the now defunct Borders or the still present Barnes & Noble stores, viewing the shelves and shelves of fiction is mind-boggling. Out of all those novels, is it genuinely fair to say, proportionately, the general market offers better work? Especially if your normal reading menu comes from that option and your Christian fiction reading is limited? Of course if you want to compare similar genres, having read from both markets, to make a quantitative judgment, then, yes, your opinion carries some weight at least from the fairness standpoint.

 

This post is in no way a criticism of Brenda’s quandary because she brings up legitimate points and questions. She can rarely find what she wants to read in CBA fiction and often when she takes a chance on a novel, it disappoints her. If she wants to read fiction, she’s far more likely to find broader selections in the general market. That’s a fact.

 

I think the strongest point in Brenda’s commentary lies here: “. . . it just seems somehow a book like that strips away the facades and gets down to real life without reserve or hesitation.” I agree that often CBA fiction struggles with this reality or we could even call it honesty. Sin doesn’t always dress nice and speak well. It’s filthy and vile and sometimes filtering it comes off as disingenuous.

 

I’m guessing what’s at the heart of this—and I could be absolutely wrong—is the desire to read stories which don’t hold back. Stories that punch the reader in the gut with the sometimes ugly reality of just right words and make them feel it for a ways into the story and perhaps all the way through to its end, not releasing the reader with tidy wrap ups or shiny characters or easy endings.

 

But to be fair to other readers, and this is also a point of consternation for some writers who wish them to be “different”—other readers prefer light, fluff, and/or happy ending little stories that don’t drag them to where they don’t want to go, don’t remind them of this dirty little world, don’t make their hearts break all over again, and you get the drift. And what better place to find that kind of reading than in the CBA market? Where “good” is king—or queen—and right prevails. (Although certainly not always.)

 

I think Brenda was being a little too hard on herself with her questions, but I understand her feelings. Vince Flynn is one of my favorite authors. He’s not the best writer in the library, but, wow baby, can he write political/CIA thrillers, and he’s created one of the best characters of the thriller genre in Mitch Rapp. To echo Brenda, yes, there are some language issues, some crude vernacular used, and some vile situations, but there is a necessary reality which flows through the stories and makes them unforgettable with super-charged experiences that have their own element of truth to cement their value.

 

Your comments are welcome, but here’s what I’d prefer not to see: bashing CBA fiction if you haven’t got legitimate comparisons from both markets in the same genre. If you’ve read a handful of CBA fiction and dismissed it without any further investigation, and you want to condemn it all based on that limited experience, sorry: your opinion won’t hold a lot of weight. Not that what you have to say isn’t thoughtful or has no value, it’s just not based on a reasonable sampling of the overall genre. Thank you for understanding.

 

And thank you, Brenda J., for always displaying your honesty and for your fervor and relentless search for good books.

 

 

Father, help us to understand one another, to not bicker about inconsequential nonsense. We have so much to be thankful for and so many more things of importance with which to concern ourselves. We’re desperate for you, Lord. No doubt about that. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.        

Christian Fiction Finally

 

It was apparent from the responses to the Question/Poll who “approved” of the Christian Fiction label and who did not. The nuances in definitions and the outright insinuations of those who tend to dislike the label were put forth respectfully and, except for the stretching of three sentences in some cases, made their points. Those who wanted to adhere to the instructions and obviously held no malice to the term also expressed their opinions thoughtfully. Those who relegated it to a basic black-and-white matter gave succinct responses. All in all, I do think those who participated covered a large and diverse area of Christian Fiction/publishing and slightly beyond it.

 

“Christian worldview” turned up predominantly in definitions as one would expect, but that might be a project for another day since I’m sure what that means to some is far more specific than what it means to others. Nevertheless, the gist of the meaning suffices to create a common thread of understanding for the overall genre.

 

Personally speaking, those who harbor a kind of resentment toward “Christian” being used as an adjective don’t quite resonate with me. The reference is often used as a shortened form to describe a particular worldview of an individual in any given field or of a thing (i.e. Christian fiction, song, etc.). The disdain for admitting that, yes, it’s convenient to refer to someone (or something) with this adjective who emulates the belief system commonly known as Christianity puzzles me. Although anyone can attach that “title” to their person, place, or thing (business, etc.) and bring either praise or disgrace to it doesn’t nullify the truth of what’s at the core of its meaning. We all know hypocrites or have acted like one, so the attachment of Christian as an adjective is really a matter of inconsequence to me. Plus in the realm of fiction it clarifies a few things to readers.

 

This clarification can be difficult for many Christian writers simply because it’s less likely for some to use the overt methodology of the worldview in the telling of their tales than it is for others. Some of the authors who responded to this poll could easily have their novels placed in the general market genre categories without a stir (i.e. Robert Liparulo, Steven James, J. Mark Bertrand). Others’ novels might bring out the militants protesting the “religious” content if put into the general market fare—and more than likely would sell less rather than more books if infiltrated with general market novels in their genres. However, for any of our Christian novels to be placed in the “Religious” fiction areas of bookstores seems like a mark against them from the get-go. “Inspirational” bodes slightly better, but plain old “Christian Fiction” seems ultimately easier and a whole lot clearer if they must be separated from the rest.

 

There are a lot of us who write Christian fiction who might never receive a contract from so-called Christian publishers because of content presentation restrictions. Christian fiction has no problem revealing evil subject matter—it’s the way the topics/situations/conversations are written which makes for controversy and debate and, yes, disagreement.

 

Content in novels written by Christians should have the freedom to present evil and reveal truth while contrasting the world to the holy. The means to how this is done is determined by individual publishing houses. The result as we know it is classified as Christian Fiction. And although different houses cater to different tastes, the ideal circumstance—and the challenge—is to provide for all readers who gravitate to the labeled Christian Fiction market instead of a limited few which are perceived to be the not-so-silent majority.

 

I’m grateful for all of those who responded to my Question/Poll regarding the definition of Christian Fiction. Each one presented logical, thoughtful, honest, and meaningful responses. It doesn’t get any better than that. I appreciated seeing that really the similarities far outweighed the disparities.

 

Thanks to all of you both in the body of the posts and in the additional comments.

 

 

Father, we all need you to do any and all of what we do. We belong to you and our first priority is obedience to your call. Help us to be good servants. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.  

Sunday's Offerings

 

But the Lord said, "You have been concerned about this vine, though you did not tend it or make it grow. It sprang up overnight and died overnight. But Nineveh has more than a hundred and twenty thousand people who cannot tell their right hand from their left, and many cattle as well. Should I not be concerned about that great city?"

Jonah 4:10-11 (NIV)

MOURNFUL . . .

 

A helicopter downed in Afghanistan on Saturday carried 31 US special-forces troops, including more than 20 Navy SEALS.

 

 

God, my heart breaks for the families of these valiant men. Words fail. Intervene, Lord. God . . . in the Name of Jesus. Amen.

Question/Poll (page 2)

 

Presented to various authors/writers/publishing industry professionals:

 

Whether or not you like or dislike the label, in three sentences or less define “Christian Fiction”.

 

*Some of the following definitions/responses (and opinions) were only edited to confine them to three sentences. Most of them were left as received.*

 

In no particular order:

 

Fiction that arises from the Christian worldview. I do not agree that any fiction a Christian writes is Christian fiction, as some say, because a Christian is capable of writing all manner of perversion or depravity. Christian fiction is fiction that deals with issues pertaining to Christians and/or Christianity.

 

Jeff Gerke (Author/Publisher)

 

Christian fiction should not only reflect the teachings of Christ and his great love for all mankind, but should imitate a Creator that refuses to settle for mediocrity and somehow fashions beauty from brokenness, light from dark, peace from conflict, and ultimately, life from death.

 

Lisa Samson (Author)

 

Christian Fiction are stories created to either edify the Body of Christ, glorify God, evangelize, or all. It is written for Christian readers, but can be mainstream. It is not pigeonholed to clean writing, Amish fiction, or works solely published by CBA.

 

Dee Stewart (Author/Reviewer/Publicist/Editor)

 

Christian fiction is written from a passionate conviction that Jesus Christ is Lord, Creator, and Savior by a Christ follower. Sometimes His name appears in the text and sometimes not, but the story is driven by themes of redemption, forgiveness, and unconditional love. And it is—should be—the most beautifully crafted fiction anywhere.

 

Patti Hill (Author)

 

For me, Christian Fiction is storytelling that presents readers with biblical principles. The storytelling should be authentic, carry emotional depth and challenge the reader where they are in their own life, or perhaps where they’ve come from. Ultimately, the book should glorify God and share His redemptive heart.

 

Kirk Kraft (Writer)

 

Christian fiction is make-believe stories using a real-life Christian world view that includes grace, mercy, and all the warts of this world.

  

 

Bonnie Calhoun (Author, Magazine Editor)

 

 

Stories told from a Christian world-view. The intent is either to reach the lost by conveying a Gospel message through the story, or to illuminate truth about God to believers.

 

Mark Harbeson (Writer)

 

If I had to give a definition I’d say it’s stories with spiritual depth emanating from a world view where Jesus Christ is Lord. Does that mean stories where people pray a few times but could still stand as stories if you took the prayers out aren’t? Yep, that’s what it means.

 

Jim Rubart (Author/Owner of Barefoot Marketing)

 

Christian Fiction, to me, is that which points to the hope of Christ, no matter the intensity of the dark hour of the character(s). This genre should have a redemptive value, as we are looking to help draw souls into the Kingdom or help deepen the relationship that already exists between the reader and our Lord.

 

Ronie Kendig (Author)

 

“Christian Fiction” is a generally accepted term used to label stories written with elements of Christian themes. For me, it is simply a novel in which the author had the freedom to tell that story from his or her worldview.   

 

Tim George (Author, Reviewer) 

 

Christian fiction is fiction written from a Christian world view, with a Christian readership in mind.

 

Athol Dickson (Author)

 

Christian fiction encompasses stories told with a Christian worldview. Not always rosy or happily-ever-after, yet ending with some measure of hope.

 

Brenda Anderson (Author)

 

Christian fiction consists of stories about redemption, God's grace and mercy. Characters, flawed and imperfect, strive to overcome obstacles, and in the process either find faith or strengthen and affirm the faith they already have. Readers who believe, likewise, are uplifted and encouraged, and readers who have yet to confess the salvation of Christ either meet the Master through the story, its character and theme, or draw closer to Him as a result of a satisfying and provocative faith-filled read.

 

Patricia Woodside (Author)

 

Fiction that is written with a Christian Worldview. Where one or more of the characters are Christian, living in the world around them, where a strong message doesn't always occur.

 

Winter Peck (Author)

 

Fiction published by a Christian publisher. 

 

Travis Thrasher (Author)

 

Christian fiction is fiction with hope. But not only that (because there are plenty of secular novels with hope) Christian fiction points toward the source of real hope.

 

C. J. Darlington (Author/Reviewer)

 

Christians and non-Christians alike can show the world truly and sinful man’s nature in all its ugliness. Both can also show the moral thread that runs through men and women, making some determined to fight for justice and others choosing to live by the rules of their own making. However, only Christians can include God in a story and have Him appear as He really is: the one thing that is the distinctive of Christian fiction is the one thing that only Christian fiction can do — tell the truth about God.

 

Rebecca Luella Miller (Author, Editor)

 

Christian fiction is a label designed for the niche market of evangelical Christian book buyers for the singular purpose of guaranteeing expectation of content. It is NOT an all-encompassing, council of Nicean, declaration of the parameters of an art-form designed to exclude and label novels which fall short of a certain standard to pagan propaganda suitable only for the process of rapid oxidation known more commonly as fire.

 

Dayle Arceneaux (Author)

 

To me it means writing a story from a Christian worldview. The characters either learn to or solve their problems from a Biblical perspective … all without preaching. 

 

Ane Mulligan (Author)

 

To my audience comprised of Christians, I label my novels "Christian fiction" or "Christian suspense/thrillers" because I know these readers will "get" what I'm talking about. To my audience of non-Christians, I label my novels "Suspense/Thrillers," and sometimes I add, "With a Christian Slant." That's because I don't want them to pass my books up, just because of the term "Christian”—so, I guess it depends who our audience is!

 

Creston Mapes (Author)

 

At its broadest, yet most precise point Christian fiction can be defined as fiction published by CBA publishers. At its narrowest, yet most imprecise point Christian fiction is whatever an individual reader sees as conforming (or not conforming) to their personal religious/political/moral beliefs.

 

Josh Olds (Reviewer/Writer)

 

Christian Fiction is fiction written by a Christian which contains Biblical symbolism or themes designed to uplift, enlighten, reinforce, or ultimately lead a reader to Christ.

 

Jessica Thomas (Author)

 

Christian fiction is niche market that caters primarily to evangelical Christians in search of "safe" reading - no sex, no foul language, no graphic violence. It's a great niche to fill, as far as it goes, but it's also a tremendously limited niche that often forces characters and stories into sugar-coated stereotypes that don't always allow authors to tackle the hard questions of real life.

 

K. M. Weiland (Author/Editor)

 

We don't have Christian photography, Christian sculpture, Christian woodworking; it seems odd to me to speak of "Christian fiction”; there is fiction of mediocrity and fiction of excellence, fiction that brings glory to God and fiction that does not, fiction that tells the truth about the world and fiction that shies away from that. If we write stories of excellence that bring glory to God, celebrate what he celebrates, tells the truth about the world, inspires people to ask the big questions that matter most, and doesn't create caricatures (either of good or of evil), I think we're on the right track, whatever we call it. 

 

. . . is fiction that tells the truth about the world—that means being just as honest in our portrayal of evil as we are in our portrayal of grace; that means showing that all people are lost (and can be found); religious people are not better than other people, hope is only found through the gifts of God.

 

Steven James (Author/Speaker)

 

Father, you know the hearts of all of your writers. You knit us together. You know what makes us tick. You know the stories you have for each one. You know the joy when each of us writes according to your design. I pray your blessing over each of these who work to define what it is you have for them to do on this earth. I pray you would increase their discernment, their faith, their conviction, their passion. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.

Question/Poll (page 1)

 

Presented to various authors/writers/publishing industry professionals:

 

Whether or not you like or dislike the label, in three sentences or less define “Christian Fiction”.

 

*Some of the following definitions/responses (and opinions) were only edited to confine them to three sentences. Most of them were left as received.*

 

In no particular order:

 

Christian fiction are stories written by authors who accept Christ as their Lord and savior. They are written either for like-minded readers or to entice others into the fold. They proclaim God’s truths through the plot or the actions and beliefs of their characters, either subtly or overtly.

 

Robert Liparulo (Author)

 

If the motifs and ideas an author works through in his novel derive from Christian theology, that's Christian fiction in my book -- along with novels that write honestly about the Christian community and the experience of faith. Given this definition, a lot of things the label is never applied to actually qualify, and a few things it's often applied to don't. 

 

J. Mark Bertrand (Author)

 

Fiction that points to God's truths.

 

Gina Holmes (Author)

 

I think about this category in two ways: For me, capitalized "Christian Fiction" is an industry, a genre of storytelling that intentionally uses values held by Christians as a context for the story's themes. I more loosely define "Christian fiction" (lowercase) as any story that illuminates for any reader, whether the author intended to or not, the same Christian values. 

 

Erin Healy (Author/Editor)

 

Christian Fiction is a recently recognized genre comprised of stories written by Christians, primarily for other Christians (though some would claim that their goal is essentially evangelist). Its purpose seems to be to provide religiously safe stories for those of the same mindset, and it tends to be insular and stilted in its thinking and application of real life scenarios. The influence of "Worldview Fiction," on the other hand, would likely be farther-reaching and hit the mark for "serious literature" more readily, a mark all Christian writers should strive to achieve.

 

Chila Woychik (Author/Publisher)

 

Christian fiction is a genre that includes Christian themes and a worldview that is consistent with Judeo-Christian beliefs. Any story that shows the redemptive work of Christ whether subtle or blatant fits Christian fiction as a descriptor. A clean story is not a good enough reason to label a book Christian fiction.

 

Michelle Sutton (Author)

 

My definition is not the industry definition but it's how I define it. Christian fiction is a story told from a Christian worldview and the faith thread can either be subtle or overt, just like we see in the parables of the New Testament.

 

Susan Meissner (Author)

 

To me, "Christian fiction" is fiction that merely addresses or includes some aspect of the Christian life/walk. On the one end it is not necessarily synonymous with clean fiction and on the other end it doesn't have to include a salvation message. It can be written for both believers and/or unbelievers to encourage, exhort, equip, or evangelize.

 

Mike Dellosso (Author)

 

For me, Christian fiction is fiction for Christians. It reveals Christian ideals--fruits of the spirit, characters fighting to live or live fully against all odds, stories of maturing, of sacrificial love, or of the reality of evil to contrast and set the light in stark relief. It's both escapist and instructive and exists to bring God glory.

 

Mick Silva (Author/Editor)

 

Christian Fiction... is a fiction market where readers go to find stories that include stories with a Christian worldview or motif.

 

Tosca Lee (Author)

 

Christian fiction for me, whether with an overt faith message, symbolic, or subtle between-the-lines writing, causes me to examine my life against biblical principles to see how I might live differently. It is hard for me to define Christian fiction and put it in a box because I have read books that never mention God but whose characters’ moral code stems from a biblical foundation (even though the author may never have intended such a comparison). It is fiction where the characters and their belief system are so deeply woven together that you read the book and don’t think of the two things separately—which is very hard to achieve.

 

B. K. Jackson (Author)

 

Christian fiction can be filtered through many different genres, characters, and settings. It might never mention a church. Its protagonist might not be a Christian--even at the conclusion of the book. But the book should provide quality storytelling grounded in a biblical worldview.

 

Eric Wilson (Author)

 

Novels can't be "Christian." They can, however, contain elements that reflect Christian precepts, virtues, and beliefs. Stories that frame a biblical worldview and/or wrestle with spiritual themes, whether or not those themes are explicitly portrayed or representative of any one religious wing, should be considered as part of the spectrum of Christian art.

 

Mike Duran (Author) 

 

Christian fiction is a well told story from a Christian worldview.

 

Mary DeMuth (Author)

 

Christian fiction: A novel that is told from a Christian worldview, a story where the Christian faith of the characters is an integral plot thread, important to the story as a whole.

 

Robin Lee Hatcher (Author)

 

Christian fiction is our opportunity through story to show the grace, mercy and redemption of Jesus Christ. As He used story to teach and emulate sacrificial love which leads to God, so can Christian fiction whether as overtly as the story of David or as subtly as the story of Esther.

 

Dineen Miller (Author)

 

(to be continued . . .)

 

 

 

 

 

Christian Fiction

 

The controversial label of “Christian Fiction” incites disappointment, argument, favor, and confusion from various professionals in the publishing industry. Debated and dissected on innumerable blogs, the overall genre elicits both praise and criticism.

 

You might remember last year I conducted a poll which asked a question concerning the opportunity for or the necessity for changes in the industry of Christian Fiction. I received answers from many authors, some editors, and an agent or two, many of whom requested anonymity due to potential backlash for their opinions of the Christian publishing industry.

 

Although Christians as a whole desire the unity Christ speaks of in the Gospels, we also recognize that these sinful vessels seem to have ample trouble discerning and deciding what is worthy of agreement. For that reason those of us who are serious about our faith desire to be “led by the Spirit” in an ever-increasing measure. I think all of us would be willing to testify and concede to insiders and outsiders alike: “You know it don’t come easy”.

 

Tomorrow and Friday I will present the results of this year’s Question/Poll which reads as follows:

 

Whether or not you like or dislike the label, in three sentences or less define “Christian Fiction”.

 

I’m pleased to say the poll inspired a good number of responses, which is why I will post them over two days, and, as you might imagine, some of the answers were simple renditions and others were much more complicated and filled with innuendo. Of course there is no “wrong” answer and because of these diverse opinions from those within, without, and those not yet directly embraced by the industry it will be plain to see that reaching consensus could be complicated but not really necessary.

 

Christians squabble over being called “Christians” and take on their favorite alternatives. Likewise they choose new labels for traditional names of all kinds of things and attach their own titles to them, as if a new “label” changes anything or somehow makes them stand for something different. It’s the nature of the beast within us. We often claim the new nomenclatures make us more real, holy, hip, desirable, whatever, when in reality all that truly matters is the role Jesus plays in our lives. Do we allow Him to transform us on a daily basis? Do we work at providing peace between believers and the world without compromising our faith in any way? Do our deployed words elicit a reaction to, an awareness or a revelation of the Lord? Yet most important of all our reasons to define who we are and what we do lies in the single matter of our obedience to God Almighty. I am responsible for my answers to His requests, not yours. And vice versa. Some things to ponder as we head into the diverse answers to this Question/Poll.

 

Sincere thank-yous to all who participated. I’m very grateful to each of you for taking the time to make your contributions to this poll. They’re valuable.

 

 

Father, you know the only way we can come to agreement is through your Spirit. May we all seek to go deeper and deeper in you. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.

Significance.

 

The objectives of storytelling in novel form range from the simplest desire to entertain to the driven compulsion to touch the soul. Neither is particularly different in the ultimate product lending itself to significance. The multiple meanings of significance can be the determiner of how a novel matters to those who decide its value.

 

Is the novel significant because its sales number in the multiple thousands or even the millions? Is the novel significant because its reviews on Amazon rate five stars from the hundreds of folks who go there to express their opinions of books? Is the novel significant because of word quality and lovely prose, unique characters and plot twists, moral fiber, conscience clinching, or supernatural revelation? What qualifies your favorite novel(s) to be classified as significant?

 

Would you break the significance down to categories such as the value a particular novel has for yourself? Or would you only include that novel as significant if it matters to many? Or how about that novel which matters to many, has great sales, and touches scores of people, but you don’t like it or consider it important?

 

Is negative significance equal to positive significance in your mind?

 

As a writer, what do you consider a novel should achieve to be rendered significant? Are you pursuing The Great American Novel in your writing efforts?

 

If one person laughs when he’s supposed to, cries as a result of your words, exclaims that your work touched his life for the better, is that enough to make it significant?

 

Significance . . . does it matter?

 

 

Father, you give us significance. You alone. Yet we often hunger for recognition and affirmation. You make us significant. Apart from you we can do nothing. Help us to always remember and apply that fact. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.