From yesterday's post:
"Philippians 4:8 addresses the need to focus our thoughts on wise (godly) principles to preclude our actions with others and in general. To reel in those errant thoughts that lead to conflict and argument, emphasis on the flesh and world, and dependence on oneself instead of on what God provides spiritually, emotionally, and physically. To suggest that story must adhere to all of these perfect standards for thought and meditation which are supposed to lead us into right actions seems like a total stretch as requirements for publishing novels. And since we're in stretching mode, these requirements, as listed here for being in compliance with scriptural instruction for our mental and physical actions, really do not provide a realistic approach to story. However, they do contribute to a much criticized and often deserved stereotype for Christian fiction."
This instruction for us as Christians specifically refers to our thought processes and meditations preceding our actions and conduct. I'm a little troubled that this instruction is used as a base model for writing fiction. In my analysis of storytelling I don't see how the employment of desired perfection in the execution of these thoughts which leads to godly behaviors applies or pertains to the telling of stories that demonstrate the diversity of conflicts, failures, good, evil, faith, and unbelief in all kinds of characters. First of all, it's a rare (and potentially boring) novel that contains only Christian characters. And since it's beyond farfetched to expect worldly people/characters to adhere to biblical principles, what is the point of using this particular scripture as a guideline for creating fiction?
Now let's look at the blatant contradiction in some of the points listed in this "standard".
1. It must be true. This means that it must be authentic and must correspond to reality. We want to promote content that embraces reality as God created it, not content that “sugar coats” reality or tries to make reality something it is not.
Okay. "Making reality something it's not." Reality is precisely and often steeped in lies, corruption, faithlessness, perversion, need I go on? So just how is a writer supposed to portray this reality authentically and without a sugar-coating in light of the following requirements?
2.It must be noble. This means that it must raise us up and make us more like God. The opposite is to debase or degrade. We want to promote content that ultimately motivates people and calls forth their best qualities.
Exposing the raw and ugly truth can accomplish this goal. Given the reality of portrayal, readers can evaluate story, content, personal reflection. "Make us more like God" is poorly stated and makes me think of satanic desires. And, besides, let's be "truthful" and "noble" here and express the desired emulation should be of Jesus. But then again, how does this pertain to writing Christian fiction if not to specifically preach or indoctrinate?
4.It must be pure. This means it must be chaste, modest, clean. We want to promote content that promotes holiness and offers a necessary corrective to current trends to sexualize everything. This does not mean that we are opposed to sex, of course. But we want to make sure that our content advocates a view of sex that is consistent with Christian morality. Avoid descriptions of the act, specifically the following: kissing below the neck; sexual touching; visible signs of arousal or sexual attraction; nudity; double entendre; sex outside of marriage.
You know this rankles me in ways I can't even begin to express, but I'm going to try. "Chaste, modest, clean." Sanitized sexual attraction. As if it doesn't exist any other way. As if Christians are never tempted sexually. As if Christians never succumb to the world's views of sex. As if "clean" somehow implies that sexual attraction and the act itself is dirty, vile, and unseemly for any Christian. It's amazing Christians have children. "Kissing below the neck; sexual touching; visible signs of arousal or sexual attraction; nudity; double entendre; sex outside of marriage." Right. Nothing that will indicate Christians are human beings. Nothing that will give an honest portrayal of worldly characters or Christian characters who don't know, realize, or understand God's view of sexuality. This makes for sterile and unreal portrayals of romance, of sexuality, of marriage, and/or male/female relationship/attraction. It results in a surreality, untruths, and ignoble suggestions about the origin of healthy sexuality. And I resent it all. I do.
6.It is of good report. This means it must be commendable or of high reputation. Again, the emphasis is on that which represents the best, that which anyone could read or hear and agree that it is well-written or well-spoken.
The suggestion that "anyone could read or hear and agree" about anything in fiction is ambiguous and ludicrous, if not laughable. And to imply that if the previous instructions, if followed, will lead to this unanimous conclusion brings visions of monks in caves who never venture forth into a world which needs the real Truth. Unabashed, unashamed, intentional, and poignant. Christians read Christian fiction, but the hypocrisy of eliminating anything that in fact addresses and portrays the realities of this world and the contrasts to The Way, speaks for exactly why Christian fiction continues to be spoken of with ill regard.
Thank God for those authors and publishers who allow truth and reality to be published in their "Christian fiction".
God, you know me. My heart. My desires. Lord, I need you. Your understanding. Your direction. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.