Years ago, when I was first starting out as a writer, someone asked me this question in an interview–what did I consider myself? A Christian writer or a writer who happened to be Christian?
The question startled me, because aren’t they really the same thing? But I understood that the real meaning was “Are you going to write for Christians or for the world?”
If that’s the intended meaning, I’ve always chosen the latter, despite the fact that most of my books and article were written for the Christian market. But I have always felt a yearning and responsibility to reach the world in any way I can, so my books can vary widely.
I wrote three novels for Mira, a division of Harlequin, that were thriller-type stories, but I saw them as parables of spiritual truths. Anything I write springs from a Christian worldview, because that’s who I am, and a writer’s mindset is always revealed through his or her writing.
I wrote THE NOTE as a parable, too, but because I wrote a minister into the plot (in a very minor role), it was considered Christian fiction, though the story is not at all overtly Christian. But it was a metaphor about how God wrote the world a note, and the lengths He has gone to to make sure we receive His message.
As many of you know, I’m a youth pastor’s wife. Some of our youth activities were “level one”–no gospel message presented, just food and fun and an open invitation to come to church and get to know us. Other activities were “level two”–Sunday mornings, for example. In Sunday school, we had humorous skits, games, music, and a short message. But other activities were “level three”–deep Bible study and little else. We knew that unchurched kids couldn’t handle or appreciate deep Bible studies. They had to develop understanding first.
I approach my books in the same way. Those parable books I wrote are level one–they are good stories designed to entertain and thrill, not to impart a heavy gospel message that unchurched people wouldn’t even understand. But the Spirit is still free to work on hearts through His power and the underlying message. Books like A MOST PECULIAR PROVIDENCE are what I’d consider level two–God is mentioned, characters pray, but there’s no heavy theological talk. And other books, like THE NOVELIST, THE DEBT, and UNCHARTED, are level three–a theological concept presented and developed through story, for those who have eyes to see and ears to hear.
Other writers have their own philosophies and mission statements–many of my friends write solely for Christians, to grow them and encourage them in faith. I support them completely, because we all have our callings and God leads each of us on a different path.
So when you read a book, instead of wishing for what may not be present or chafing at something that is, consider the audience the writer was trying to reach. As I wrote Peculiar, the book that just left my desk, I wanted to write a book believers could give to unchurched friends. It’s a level two. And the Lord gave me that story as surely as He gave me all the others.
~~Angie
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Beautifully said, Angela.
Thanks, Robin! :-).
I like your level system, Angie. Most of my stories would probably fall between levels 2 and 2.5, so most of my readers are Christians already. However, I love it when God uses my stories to touch the heart of a seeker or someone who has drifted from the Father. Those reader letters convince me that no matter my inteneded audience, God will handle the distribution in the way He sees fit. 🙂
So true! Thanks, Karen!
Your books reminds those of us who are Christians to show love, grace and mercy to others. To be less absorbed in our own problems and seek ways to help others.
I love this explanation! It makes a lot of sense. Thank you!
You’re welcome. Thanks for stopping by and for understanding. 🙂
Angela,
I am looking forward to reading your books.
I love the line “are you a Christian author or An author who is a Christian”.
I love the level 1,2&3 for the youth in church. It is so very true. I have learned if I invest in a person first, they will soon discover what it is that makes me different.
It’s like a baby. We wouldn’t expect them to walk, talk and eat a steak on day 1.
My heart has always been drawn to mentor the youth. I never had children, but have so many who have called me “mom” over the years.
Thank you for your post.
I’m so grateful for authors like you who write for different audiences with stories that all honor the Lord and have a worthwhile message. May God richly bless you!