Why Christian Fiction Still Matters in an AI World

From Edie: Ane Mulligan shares why Christian fiction still matters in an AI world—and how faith-based storytelling can inspire, touch hearts, and point readers toward truth through authentic human connection.

Why Christian Fiction Still Matters in an AI World

by Ane Mulligan @AneMulligan

I see a lot of stories on social media that are clearly AI written. I'm sure you've seen them as well. The neighbor who picks up another's trash bin that falls over every week. The man who mows an elderly neighbor's front lawn. People leaving groceries on a porch, ringing doorbell, then leaving before the recipient can see who left them. 

All are kind acts I'd like to be true, but they aren't. However, they do one important thing: they inspire people to emulate them. That made me think of Paul, where he urged the Corinthians to imitate him (1 Cor 4:16) and again he instructed them to follow his example as he follows the example of Christ (1Cor 11:1). 

As Christians, we write for the same reason. To show our readers a better way. In my writing, I have a guiding adage to which I adhere. "People (readers) let down their guard when they think they're being entertained. Fiction uses their emotions, their senses, and draws them in. Then when they least expect it, the story touches, teaches, and transforms them."

To me, that's writing from a Christian worldview—showing the reader the difference between life without Christ and life with him—leaving an example to adopt.

The Golden Rule in action.

It's important to our calling as Christian authors to show Jesus' teachings in action. AI doesn't give the reader a reason or the giver's motivation, but we need to clearly show it's a Christian's life mission or calling.

Always remember your readers like to escape their daily world and enter your story's world. Let's draw them in, allow them to suspend disbelief, and see God in action through people. That way, the story sticks with them. It touches them. And can transform them. 

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Why Christian Fiction Still Matters in an AI World from @AneMulligan on @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)

Ane Mulligan lives life from a director’s chair, both in theatre and at her desk creating novels. Entranced with story by age three, at five she saw PETER PAN onstage and was struck with a fever from which she never recovered—stage fever. One day, her passions collided, and an award-winning, bestselling novelist emerged. She believes chocolate and coffee are two of the four major food groups and lives in Sugar Hill, GA, with her artist husband, a rescued German shepherd, and a rascally Rottweiler. Find Ane on her website, Amazon Author page, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, The Write Conversation, and Blue Ridge Conference Blog.