This weekend, I've spent a lot of time researching publishers for my novella, The Clockshifter. During this time, I've asked a lot of questions like:
- Should I write overtly Christian books?
- Should I write books that share the love of God without being a "Christian" book?
- What on earth does God even want me to do with my passion for writing?
Disclaimer: This was not brought on by the lack of good Christian publishers. It only made me think about where God wants me to take my writing and what audience He wants my writing to reach. I just thought I'd make that very clear.
So...should Christians only write Christian books?
I think the answer is yes and no. God calls each person to do something different. I believe God called some people to only write overtly Christian books. But, I don't believe that it is sinful for a Christian to not write only Christian books.
Why?
As Christians, our job, so to speak, is to share the Gospel, to evangelize to people. (Of course, we can't change the hearts of others, but God can. I think you understand my point.) Here is one of the many verses in the Bible about this.
"Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit." Matthew 28:19
In order to reach someone, you must go to them, wherever they are at. This means writing books that they will read. Will a non-Believer pick up a Christian book? Probably not. Who did Jesus eat with on earth? The lowest of the low. The "non-Christians" of the time. He went to where they were so that they would hear of God's love for them.
Does this mean writing sinful things as good? No. As Christians, no matter what we write, say or do, we should never glorify sin. Our world is getting more sinful each second. We know the answer, we know that there is hope in Christ. We know how to tell if something is right or wrong. So I don't think there is anything wrong will telling the world about hope in Christ in a less preachy, less overt way. So what if your book isn't labeled "Christian" It's just a label that will most likely deter lost people from reading it. Make the book cause people to question. Is there something deeper to this book? What is the real message? What does the theme mean? Why does the theme speak so much to me? What does this writer have that I don't have?
Think about the band Twenty One Pilots. They sing songs that make people ask questions about their life. When looked into deep enough, those songs point directly to God.
I think the real question now is what God wants you and I to do? Does He want me to write books for a Christian audience or brave the secular terrain? Where does He want me to shine my light? Where does He want you to shine your light?
I realize this is probably a bit of a controversial topic. If you disagree with me, that's perfectly fine (just please remember to be kind to others). I would love to hear where you stand on this! Who has God called you to reach?
I agree all the way. especially about twenty one pilots. lol. but seriously, thats my favorite part of that band. is they are Christians and everyone knows it, but its not a label and it doesnt stop non-believers from connecting with their music. they reach their audience in such a profound way. I wish there was a formula for exactly how they did it because how they have impacted the world is something I strive for with my art. I just love them so much.
ReplyDeleteI like that you said God calls each Christian to something different. so many people forget that. they think just because one Christian is doing something then they should too. its not the way it works. God gave us the gift of individuality and personality and we should use that to reach a vast array of people.
okay Im done. lol. great post dude. I love it!
I love that about them as well! They don't have the Christian label so their music impacts the entire world. I strive for that same thing as well. :)
DeleteThey really do forget that. I have to constantly remind myself of that.
Thank you so much for your awesome comment!
Very interesting post! So I wanted to ask. When you say about writing a book that isn't labeled "Christian" would that mean you point to Christ in an allegorical way?
ReplyDeleteI do this; some of my books have biblical themes and values but are not Christian per sae, then others are under the Christian label.
DeleteHey! That's cool. So you chose biblical themes instead of the allegory?
DeleteI think it means either allegorical or using Biblical themes. Another way to do it is to include a minor Christian character. Pretty much whatever the author decides. You have to make sure and make the allegory unique if you choose that method. :)
DeleteOkay thanks! And thanks for replying! It's something I'll have to keep in mind :)
DeleteI love this! There are places for explicitly Christian books and places for "non-Christian" books that point to Christ. Both groups are in need of solid, skilled authors. Thanks for the food for thought!
ReplyDeleteI agree!
DeleteI loved this, Alea! (your blog is epic-ly amazing, but I think this was one of your best posts *nodnod*)
ReplyDeleteI agree with a lot of what you said. I like to write books that aren't overly Christian, but that point to God. For me, actually putting God into the story (say, having it be more realistic-fiction where the characters all be Christians, like some of Bryan Davis' books) makes the story too hard for me to write. Everything comes out as being forced. But, say, it's either an allegory or the book has themes that point to God, then it works out better for me :).
Loved this post! <3
~ Savannah
scattered-scribblings.blogspot.com
Aww! Thank you so much, Savannah!
DeleteIt depends on the story, but for me, I generally find it harder to write overtly Christian fiction. :)