We all know clothing comes with labels, some sewn in, others stamped on. Films come with labels - we could certainly argue about the validity of said labels (or ratings), but they attempt to identify who the viewers "should" be or will be in the case of R-ratings, etc.
It's been discussed occasionally whether or not novels should be labeled. After the hooplah over the Becky Wade romance novel, This Stubborn Heart, some might once again bring up the possibility of labeling fiction. I don't know what position to take on this idea. I would have no objections whatsoever labeling my work "For adult readers" because they are precisely for whom I write. But is it necessary?
Readers and writers would still interpret the simple word "adult" differently. To some I'm sure it would be signaling an R or NC17 film rating, and since the novel would be considered by unbelievers as "Christian Fiction", I wonder if they might give it a PG13 since some unbelievers want our beliefs censored or censured and certainly not available to their kids, not because of any sexual issues but because of heaven-or-hell-forbid: God-related issues.
To my way of thinking anytime you pick up a general market novel you're taking a risk. There can be all manner of foul language, sexual escapades in vivid or graphic detail, and much more. Not always of course, but the possibility exists. Even Christians accept this. However, when it comes to Christian Fiction, those same people reading the general market novels want squeaky "clean" from their Christian novels. And I've come to think "clean" is a meaningless word to describe Christian stories. What in this life is "clean" when it concerns human existence?
Some people can't even say "heck" without coming under fire from others. And since when is the word hell a "swear" or cuss word? Hell is a real place. Now I can understand how it can be considered a curse if someone tells another to "go to hell", but beyond that what is so foul about uttering this word in a frustrating or negative circumstance? But it's a no-no in Christian fiction.
Do we label Christian fiction? Do we need new imprints established to publish those novels using words like hell and damn, boobs or breasts, and any other words which bring out complaints from a portion of Christian readers?
Father, your word tells us there are neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female in Christ Jesus. Yet we've broken down our oneness in the Spirit and categorized and ritualized our faith into compartmental religion. Help us, Lord. We're desperate for you. All of us. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.