G.K. Chesterton said, “The more I
considered Christianity, the more I found that while it had established a rule
and order, the chief aim of that order was to give room for good things to run
wild.”Perhaps Chesterton was speaking about Christian fiction writers when he talked about permission to ‘run wild’.
Over the years, many have asked me what purpose
Christian fiction serves.
I have my own opinion,
but here with their permission, are some published fiction authors, fiction publishing house editors, and
other agents offering their ‘wild’ thoughts.
Joseph Max Lewis, author of The
Diaries of Pontius Pilate shared: “Christian fiction explores the human
condition, including its dark recesses, but always celebrates the life
affirming principles of our faith. Christian fiction imparts hope, especially
in dark times like now; it celebrates courage, perseverance and self-sacrifice, and it reaffirms the truth that with God all things are possible no matter how
impossible they might seem. The purpose of Christian fiction is to
shine light into a dark world.”
One of my favorite fantasy authors,
C.S.
Lakin wrote in a recent blog post: “… I don’t write for fun. I don’t write
to entertain other Christians. I feel a pressing calling from God to reach out
to those who have no hope and do not know that a plan of
salvation has been executed on their behalf and is being offered to them. I
look at my writing as 100% ministry, and my efforts and prayers are all
directed toward those ends. I take the views of authors like Flannery O’Conner and Madeline L’Engle who felt strongly that their writing should honestly and
even painfully reflect the true state of the human condition, of sin, and all
its ugliness without censoring.”
Agent Jim Hart: “Christian
fiction serves to tell the Truth through engaging our imagination.”
Author, Aaron Gansky believes “Christian fiction fills an important
spot for those who enjoy good literature but prefer not to witness the
brutality of our fallen world. Christian storytelling demonstrates hope through
adversity, and an opportunity for grace for the fallen.”
Acquisitions editor Vicki
Crumpton said: “My usual answers are escape and entertainment. I'd probably
also add a gentle affirmation of our faith.”
Author of Mercy’s Rain and
director of The Asheville Christian Writers Conference, Cindy Sproles, believes
“we can find guidance through the stories of others. We seem to learn best from
example and in a day when fewer and fewer folks are picking up their Bibles, I
think the Christian worldview in fiction can plant seeds
that can grow in the hearts of those who may not otherwise see it.” Literary Agent, Linda Glaz, “it serves a large group of previously displaced readers who want clean,
well-written fiction with a slant of faith, and who have found it difficult to find such stories in the secular market.”
Marsha Hubler, published author
and director of the Montrose Christian Writers Conference put it this way: “Who
was the most influential fiction author of all times? Although Jesus penned his all-time best-selling nonfiction book, The Holy Bible
through godly men, while He was on earth he also told parable after parable
to his listeners, imparting deep biblical and moral truths that changed lives. Jesus
loved “story.” It has the power to
change lives.”
I couldn’t have said it any
better than this group of talented people in the know. What do you get out of your fiction reading?
