What I Like about Christian Fiction

Many, many, many, many writers, editors, agents, and wannabes have illuminated the ills of Christian fiction and even denounced the term. But as the majority of people know, in truth most things are not all good or all bad. Certainly, with Christian fiction, the critics I’m referring to are insiders, leading me to believe that they, too, see something worthwhile or they wouldn’t continue in the business.

So what is worthwhile in Christian fiction? Here are some of the things I see.

Christian fiction tells stories. This may seem like a no-brainer, but there are slice-of-life books that show a piece of a character’s life and don’t really tell stories. Christian fiction actually, consistently tells stories.

Christian fiction is in some way consistent with Christianity. Not perfectly. Not without theological error in the eyes of someone. But the stories will not leave the reader wondering if perhaps Islam or Hinduism or some other religion might not be a good way to go.

Christian fiction is expanding. Once known only for prairie romances, Christian fiction has undergone a major transformation in the last five years. Suspense, mystery, mom- or chick-lit, contemporary romance, and yes, even fantasy books are more and more the fare.

Christian fiction is more available. Again, some people in the business aren’t sure this is good. After all, it might spell the demise of the Christian bookstore. If more people are buying Christian fiction, then I say it is good. I’m still of the mindset that competition is healthy, so “big box stores,” mega-bookstores, on-line stores, independent stores, denominational or church-sponsored stores … in my mind it all helps the reader. Readers convert to book buyers which in turn helps publishers, and the cycle should make the whole industry healthy. Does a monopoly do that? With one organization, even an association, in tight control of an industry, I doubt if healthy growth is possible.

With CBA books on shelves in the same stores as ABA books, the need to meet or exceed the quality of the competition is more apparent. The quality of Christian fiction is improving. Is it “there” yet? If anyone ever answers that question in the affirmative, then I doubt their understanding of quality writing. The nature of the beast seems to me to defy perfection. Will we ever arrive? Not this side of heaven. Our writing should always improve.

Writers of Christian fiction are exploring what constitutes Christian fiction. Is it writing from a Christian worldview? Sharing the gospel? Edification of the church? All these questions lead to stronger, clearer, better themes. Once upon a time, the “faith element” was clear: bad-boy Frank (or Tom, Mark, David, Dan, Mr. Protagonist) met Martha (or Janet, Heidi, Lois, Jill, Miss Protagonist) and because of her sterling character, abandoned his wayward lifestyle to become a Christian. Nothing wrong with the story, but there are many, many, many more that can explore the depth of faith. By asking questions about what Christian fiction is doing, authors are discovering new things it CAN do.

These are the first things—ones that came to mind without much thought. You perhaps have others you can add. Please feel free to do so in the comments.

Or feel free to disagree. As far as I’m concerned, the discussion is healthy, a sure sign of life. 😉