by Edie Melson @EdieMelson
Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters… It is the Lord Christ you are serving. Colossians 3:23-24
Even though I’m a Christ-follower, I must admit I’m struggling with a concept.
I have a problem with the idea of Christian books and Christian writers. I can hear the gasping and unsubscribing even as I write this.
You are welcome to disagree.
Actually I hope that you’ll take time to weigh in on this subject.
But before you do, let me explain my struggle. As far as Christian books, there’s no way a book can be Christian, in that Jesus didn’t die so it could live. It’s like saying I have Christian countertops or a Christian chair. We’ve just become so accustomed to hearing the phrase we accept it at face value.
I get the reason for the distinction. It’s easier for the reader to know the focus and/or content of a particular book if it’s labeled Christian. But, at least in my mind, the distinction is an invisible line. Who decides what is considered Christian and what isn’t?
These are some heavy issues, and they’re hot topics in the Christian publishing industry right now.
I believe the truth of the matter is subjective.
NOT, the truth of who Christ is and what He did for us. That is a foundational truth we can base our lives upon. The subjective part that I’m referring to is defining what the criteria is that designates a book as Christian.
- Is it only stories with a gospel message?
- Is it stories where the characters are believers?
- Is it only redemptive stories?
- Is it only nonfiction?
- Is it biblical fiction?
In the Bible we find all kinds of books, from poetry to biography to a book that never even mentions God (Book of Esther). For years, Christian books have been found in Christian book stores. While I don’t have anything overtly against these stores, I find them to be sanitized places, full of lots of Jesus Junk and very few actual books. They also tend to be extremely female oriented—heavy on the inventory of tea pots, doilies and jewelry. The reason for this feminine focus comes from the argument that most book buyers are women, therefore the shopping experience should be female focused. To me, that’s a self-defeating prophecy because very few men will shop in these girlie-girl surroundings.
But let’s leave this discussion and move to the designation of Christian writers.
It’s easy to ask what makes a writer a Christian, it’s the fact that they’ve accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord. I have no problem with that. But let’s go a bit further. We take it to mean that the so-designated writer, writes only Christian books and/or other Christian content. Again, who decides what is Christian and what isn’t?
Beyond that, what other professions designate themselves as Christian? Do we refer to Christian plumbers, or Christian barbers, or even Christian chefs? Do we serve Christian food, live in Christian houses or have Christian plumbing? Of course not. So why Christian books?
To carry this conversation even further—God created the world in which we live. If I’m writing about this world from the viewpoint of someone who believes in God—isn’t that Christian?
As a believer, my goal twofold—to write things that bring God glory and won’t shame Him. It’s at once that simple and that complicated.
I’ve shared my thoughts, now I’d love to hear yours.
Edie Melson is a woman of faith with ink-stained fingers observing life through the lens of her camera. No matter whether she’s talking to writers, entrepreneurs, or readers, her first advice is always “Find your voice, live your story.” As an author, blogger, and speaker she’s encouraged and challenged audiences across the country and around the world. Her numerous books reflect her passion to help others develop the strength of their God-given gifts and apply them to their lives. Connect with her on her website, through Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
The Conversation
To me, it’s writing from a Christian worldview — how I see things. And isn’t that what all authors do? Write from their own worldview? It comes through, even in the subtext.
Ane, I agree completely! Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Blessings, E
Thank you Edie, I appreciate the discussion. Those are good questions that we should be asking.
On one hand, labeling a book “Christian” may allow you to reach an intended niche. On the other, it may keep non-Christian readers from picking up the book because–let’s face it– “Christian” writing has an unfortunate (preachy, sappy, unrealistic, etc.) reputation.
About a year ago, I recommended a book to a friend disinterested in anything Christian; because the book was listed as “Christian fiction,” I felt a need to explain, “don’t worry, you’ll like it–the book isn’t preachy or evangelistic.” Without the label, I wouldn’t have felt need for a disclaimer.
Other genres may require a label for clarity, but fiction is better off without. Why push non-Christian readers away ahead of time?
NOT listing the book as “Christian” isn’t going to deter Christian readers; do we avoid Neil Gaiman or toss Koontz in the trash because their books aren’t listed as “Christian” books? Nope.
Atheist writers don’t necessarily label their books as such. If Philip Pullman had listed The Golden Compass as a book pushing atheism and presenting the church as evil, would I have read it? Probably not. (Pullman’s open about his intent in interviews, but the book itself does not proclaim “Anti-Christian, Atheist Fiction” on the cover.)
Did I notice the themes while reading? Absolutely. But did it force me to stop reading? No, because the story and the writing pulled me in.
Do non-Christians love LOTR and Narnia? Of course.
Great writing and imaginative story will attract readers, period. Let’s not push them away with a preconceived notion before they even crack the book.
Anyway, that’s how I see it. 🙂
Thanks so much for speaking up about this subject. Newberry Award winning writer Katherine Paterson says this: “I am Christian, so that conviction will pervade the book even when I make no conscious effort to teach or preach. Grace and hope will inform everything I write.” To me, the world needs this sort of pre-evangelistic writing that speaks God’s truth without a label.
Excellent post, Edie!
So often we just slip into the comfort zone of classification with this issue, especially when it comes to marketing/sales definitions. But as you say, it is both as ‘simple and as complicated’ as the underlying goal of our work. Comfort or classification are not always the best guides. They limit not only our audience (as you pointed out) but also the integrity with which we view our calling as those Christ has asked to write.
Can a ‘book’ be Christian? No. Can it point to Christ? Most certainly. Does it require overt Christian content to do so? Not always.
Important concepts for Christian writers to consider. Thanks for raising them.
I have also thought extensively about this and couldn’t agree more. When I categorize my writing (future books), I purposefully avoid “Christian” or Religious key words with the intent to reach readers who need salvation. I love your word “sanitized”. The world is far from “sanitized “, and isn’t that who, we as writers who happen to be Christian, are hoping to reach?
I agree with Ane, I think Christian writing comes from a Christian worldview. It can be fiction or nonfiction. The Christian message can be blatant or subtle. As a longtime reader, I only ask that whatever Christian content is there is correct. I’ve read some Christian fiction that I felt distorted the gospel message. I don’t think every Christian book has to have a full-blown gospel presentation, but I have seen Christian characters confronted with the gospel in a natural and moving way.
I know the Christian label might be limiting. If people would give our books a chance, they might enjoy them even if the readers are not Christians. But I have seen scores of Amazon reviews by unbelievers which said “I wish they would put a label on these books: I liked it except for the Christian content.” That’s not a surprise–the world in general is opposed to the Christian message. Yet some books are widely popular even with clear Christian content, like Jan Karon’s Mitford series.
As a Christian reader, the label helps me as well. I don’t take a chance on much modern secular fiction, because I’ve too often been ambushed by illicit sexual content or language I don’t want filling my head. I’m more inclined to try a new book or author if the book is clearly Christian or at least “inspirational.”