I have always been a firm believer that there is a place for Christian Fiction within the Christian faith, just as there is a place for all sorts of arts and creative works, music, movies, performances, etc.
There is even room for depicting Jesus in those creative works, but with it come a lot of challenges and responsibilities. There may be a place for Jesus in Fiction, but there is no place for a fictional Jesus, not anywhere.
In all of my reading I have seen quite a few fictional displays of Jesus. But by far, the most common, and maybe the most subtle is the overly charismatic Jesus.
Overly Charismatic Jesus
He does not say much. He doesn't have to; everything he stands for is easily conveyed in a look. When characters see this Jesus thy become transfixed by his overwhelming tranquility. Something akin to trance ensues and whatever information the author wishes to share is transmitted to the main character.
More often than not, the main character gains the understanding that this Jesus knows everything thing about them... and loves them anyway. Oh the love! it pours from his eyes, which can be blue or green or hazel or brown, but always deep, and always locked on the main character.
I call this display of Jesus the most subtle because within its cheesy/lazy writing it tacks in a few truths; Jesus does know everything about you, and He does love you anyway; love does pour from Him. But in these scenarios the residual effect of the trance and the deep feelings it generates become the basis for forgiveness and salvation.
•I am convinced that when authors get it wrong it is because they over compensate, trying to show the love, compassion and forgiveness of Christ.
They often end up showing a love that accepts but does not correct, a compassion that feels but dose not take action, a fiat forgiveness of sin without the necessity of carrying it up a hill and crucifying it.
It is easier to write a wrong Jesus (or incomplete) than a true Jesus, but in all my reading, I have also seen it done well.
Jesus On a Mission
Every character in every book you ever read has had a motive. Same with Jesus. He came to seek and save the lost and put an end to sin. Luke said it like this; when the time was right he set his face toward Jerusalem. Luke 9:51
•I am convinced that when authors get it right, it is because they are less concerned with making his face glow with compassion and more concerned with lighting it up with the mission of the cross.
The difference between getting it right or getting it wrong:
•A Jesus who is a sacrifice, suitable to satisfy the wrath of God vs. A Jesus full of compassion, suitable to evoke deep emotions.
I wanted to share with you a few books that I believe got it right. Check them out.
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