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 little bit of an issue 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. 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 dogging 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 prophesy 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 is to write things that won’t shame my Lord. It’s at once that simple and that complicated.
I’ve shared my thoughts, now I’d love to hear yours.
TWEETABLE
Well said, Edie. I agree. And we definitely need more male writers and readers. Let me know when you figure out how to accomplish that. Eddie and I aren't doing such a good job:))
ReplyDeleteMartin, we are definitely missing something when it comes to reaching male readers! Thanks for the encouragement!
DeleteAm I a Christian writer or am I a writer who is Christian? I believe I am both. While my words themselves aren't "Christian words" (at least I hope I don't use too much jargon), I pray they come together with God's leading so they point readers to Him. In much the same way, I pray my actions and decisions reflect His presence and control in my life. My audience, those whom I write to, are primarily other Christians, but I don't want to "pigeon hole" myself to write only to other Christians. Yes, that's a large audience, but as Christ stated, the gospel message itself is meant for ". . . those who are sick . . .".
ReplyDeleteEnjoyed your post Ms. Edie; and for the record, I do use a Christian barber, plumber, and whenever possible, other Christian service providers. Birds of a feather, I guess. :-) God's blessings, precious friend.
Thank you. My granddaughter, attending a writer’s conference this weekend has been asked multiple times what she writes. She desires to write what she loves to read, YA fantasy. Is it ‘Christian’? No. But as a Christian, she writes with a Christian world view so her stories read somewhat different than many. And that is what so many want to do as well. And frankly, what many want to read.
ReplyDeleteYes! I also write sci-fi and fantasy and it’s not overtly “Christian”. But I have learned my Christian world view bleeds into everything I write. I hope your granddaughter is finding lots of encouragement. Young people need more books written by solid believers!
DeleteMr Jim, all great thoughts! Many of the business people I interact with regularly are believers. But there are quite a few who aren’t and that gives me the opportunity to share the love of Jesus. :)
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