Unclear Christian Fiction

It happens more and more. You find a book in the Christian Fiction genre, read it, maybe you enjoy it, but in the end you think, wait, why was that Christian Fiction? Yes, it was clean and wholesome - as it ought to be. There were no curse words. Appreciated. But also missing was clear and intentional Christianity. Of course there is nothing wrong with a good non-christian fiction book. But there is something obviously wrong with a good non-christian, Christian Fiction book.

Common in the Christian Fiction genre are stories that trade in Biblical themes and messaging for those that are intended to appeal to a wider audience. They will use such themes as love, patience, kindness, etc. which are by no means outside of Christianity, but neither are they exclusive to Christianity. Many good non-christian books do the same and the result is a work of fiction with no definite reason to be labeled Christian Fiction (apart from a niche marketing plan)

The one golden rule in such Christian Fiction is- Thou shall not be too preachy. You've likely heard something along those lines before. At best, authors fear that overt Christianity will hurt their book sales. (they might be right.) At worst, they think that they are doing God a favor by toning it down; that He is a bad brand manager and they can help make the gospel more attractive, meaningful and effective.

Romans 1:16 comes to mind. For I am not ashamed of the gospel,

because it is God’s power for salvation to everyone who believes...

Or maybe, just maybe, authors are simply giving “christian readers” what they want? Just a side thought for consideration.

Whatever the case, it is a sly underhanded rule because there is a sense in which it wraps around a sliver of truth. It is true that Christian Fiction is not a sermon. After all, God ordained preaching the word, not telling stories, as the means of spreading the gospel. Fiction is half of the genre's title and there is nothing wrong with keeping embedded sermonettes from overpowering that aspect.

Then what is wrong with unclear, unintentional Christian Fiction? Well, the other half of the genre's name, the fist half, is Christian, and there is something wrong with quenching it.

What are your thoughts? Feel free to respond below.

Are you looking for clear, intentional Christian Fiction?

Remember these tips.

• Read the book description with a gospel focused mind. Is it possible that the story could exist in a non-christian market?

• Visit the author's website. Is there an indication that the author is focused on writing clear and intentional Christian Fiction? A motto? A mission statement?

• After selecting a book, always read with discernment.

• Try one of these trusted authors. Chris Fabry, Angela Hunt, or one of my own.

Are you looking for a good read?

let Fiction Candle recommend a book. If you want to read Amazon ebooks but don't want to commit to a reading device? Try a FREE reading App

and please, make your first ebook a Fiction Candle book, or one my own, here

Until the next book, remember Christ, the author of salvation.