Earlier in the week over on Twitter, a conversation came up in my feed that really took me by surprise.
An avid promoter of Christian Fiction posted a #FollowFriday with a list of Christian authors (myself included) that she supports. In response to her post, someone said this:
“Christian fiction has become Pablum for those who have little time for God’s word. Part of the great god Entertainment.”
When I saw the comment, I was like, “Huh?” And then I was like, “What in the name of all that’s holy is Pablum?”
Thank goodness for Google. In two seconds, I had my answer. Pablum has three definitions (according to Merriam-Webster): 1) Food 2) Intellectual sustenance 3) Something (such as writing or speech) that is insipid, simplistic, or bland.
The conclusion I came to is that none of the definitions are exactly flattering for Christian fiction (to put it mildly). I believe the comment could be summed up like this: The entertainment found in Christian fiction is a bland and simplistic replacement for the true nourishment found in God’s word.
Put another way, it could also be interpreted as this: Christian fiction is fluffy entertainment, and anyone serious about their faith wouldn’t be reading fiction but instead should be studying their Bible or reading non-fiction books that help them grow spiritually.
That last definition is one I’ve heard touted by “serious” Christians who turn up their noses at Christian fiction because such books are beneath them. Their attitudes are similar to literary snobs who turn up their noses at fiction that doesn’t fall into the “classics” category.
Whenever I hear such comments or come across such attitudes, my natural reaction is to laugh hysterically. But usually I curb that instinct and instead try to act in love by asking myself these things:
Is it an ignorance issue? If so, then I might be able to enlighten that person by sharing some of the truths about the Christian fiction market and the types of books/genres that are currently available for all levels of Christians.
Is it a pride issue? If so, there’s not a whole lot I can do to change that person’s mind, and it won’t do much good to engage in a conversation because it will probably just get ugly.
Instead of arguing, I’ll resort to writing a blog post like this with a few thoughts (and hope he stumbles upon it!).
1. Fiction stories are an important method that cultures throughout all of history have used to express truth and meaning. Jesus himself used stories to reach his generation (and beyond!). In all four gospels Jesus tells over 45 stories also known as parables.
2. We can elevate anything into a god (when it becomes the center of our lives), but entertainment is not inherently sinful (or a god). God gave us this world to enjoy. Whether that’s taking a hike, riding a bike, watching a sunset, reading a book, or playing a game—all of those things bring joy and fulfillment to our time on earth.
3. Most of us watch TV or movies and think that doing so is okay (with moderation and discernment). Even those who only watch shows/movies occasionally should recognize the irony of belittling fiction, since most TV and movies start from fiction scripts (some from novels!). And especially since research shows reading has power to improve brain functioning, a power that screen-viewing doesn’t have.
4. Reading Christian novels doesn’t replace Bible reading, but it can add to our faith (similar to sermons, podcasts, blogs, etc.). In other words, reading fiction and reading our Bibles don’t have to be mutually exclusive. We can do both with great benefit.
5. Most Christian fiction is more than mere entertainment. In fact, I hear regularly from readers who share with me how my books have encouraged them to persevere in their faith amidst persecution, who’ve been challenged to step out and face fears, or who are discouraged and have been refreshed. (That’s not to put down Christian fiction with lighter spiritual messages. Clean and wholesome alternatives serve an important purpose too.)
6. Ultimately, Christian fiction can be a powerful ministry that points people to the Way, the Truth, and the Life. I don’t think many of us would suggest doing away with other Christian ministries (like Christian radio, national conferences, Christian camps, etc.) and tell people all they need are their Bibles. Why, therefore, do some people feel it’s okay to publicly demean Christian fiction?
What about YOU? What would you tell those who stick up their noses at Christian fiction?
Jody Hedlund
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Whereas Christian fiction cannot compete with the Bible for teaching, it is definitely a form of faith encouragement.
I would first ask them what Christian fiction they have read. Them I would share with they the many many books I have read, and how they in many ways brought the Bible to life for me. I never read the Christian fiction until about 8 years ago and I am a 73 year old who loves to read. Jody I have read all your book and loved every one of them. Thank you for your insightful writing.
Definitely an encouraging resource and wholesome hobby or entertainment. I challenge those saying negative things about CF to also use that same critical eye on their forms of entertainment. Hmmm? When I read some CF I’ve come across info about the Bible that I had not heard before. So I would go and verify it, reading the scripture it referenced and discovered info that was accurate biblically but I never knew it. So there! It has educated me too!
Great points, Jody! I’ve heard the criticism too and it saddens me.
Thanks for addressing this all-too-common smear of Christian fiction in a such a simple, concise way.
Excellent post, Jody. One thing I’ve said to people who think Christian fiction is pablum is that whenever I listen to a good sermon, the thing that always seals the message in my heart is the story the pastor tells to illustrate the theme. Invariably it’s the STORY I remember best. Also, as you touched on, I’m always surprised at how many people who knock reading fiction have no problem watching TV or movies. In that case, I like to remind them that many movies were first novels and every TV show started from a script.
A few of us were having a discussion at ACFW last week about how important CF is for the world at large. Where many people will never pick up a Bible to read, they just might pick up a fiction book (and imagine how wonderful it is when they find Jesus within its pages). It is most definitely a ministry and we readers encourage the authors of CF to stay the course! Keep Jesus in your books because someone out there needs to hear his story and your books might be the only way they will!
Amen!
I would say if you’ve never tried reading several genres of Christian Fiction Don’t knock it. It helps a lot of people you just don’t know sir or mam. You can’t just read one and make that kind of decision. It’s my hobby just like someone else’s hobby maybe playing golf. I do not let it take the place of church or Bible reading. Some people may need to get the beam out of their eye where they can get the mote out of their brother’s eye.
So well said! Thanks, Jody! Wonderful blog post. Long live Christian fiction!
I would tell them they are missing a blessing, as it has helped me grow in my faith and can be a companion to Bible Study. Thank you for all you do.
This person has probably not read any or much CF. I would say to him/her, “Don’t knock it until you’ve tried it.” There is much good to be found in CF and It has blessed my life in many ways!
I would share your comments as I agree 100 percent. Christian fiction could also point someone toward Jesus that would never or had never opened a Bible. It seems one negative comment among many positives is the norm these days. Nonfiction books can be the author’s opinion on what research has revealed to him or her so to me the only source for truth is seeking it out yourself in the Bible. So I will happily continue reading my fiction which always includes a Jody Hedlund book!
Jody, When I was a teenager in the early ’70s I was very lonely and loved to read. Thankfully, the public library carried books by Grace Livingston Hill, one of the first Christian fiction authors. She presented the gospel in every book and showed characters who lived out their faith. As a result, I became a Christian. Her characters had a fellowship with God and other believers that I wanted.
I have been reading Christian fiction since then, but especially since my late 40s and have been encouraged in my faith so many times. I often hope that other people read and become Christians as a result of Christian fiction.
Wow!! What a testimony for Christian fiction!! ❤️📚
Yes!, And for how GOOD God is! For an extremely shy person it was a great way to get my attention!
Traci, that is my hope as an author! What a wonderful blessing it would be to see people in Heaven as a result of something I wrote. I strive to include the Gospel in each novel, because it may be the only opportunity for a reader to hear the Truth presented clearly. God is so good! I rejoice with you. 🙂
That is good to hear. I pray that God will use your writing!
I praise His name!
Hey Jody, thanks for sharing this. I seem to recall there was a baby food product many years ago that was named Pablum. I could be wrong since I was only a child at the time. Pablum, or similar food products, are essential for babies. They are soon able to eat and digest real food. Without the Pablum, they may never gain strength enough to eat real food and soon die. I think the person was partially correct. Some Christian fiction is Pablum, just as some Christian music is Pablum. Some preachers and teachers never get beyond feeding their people Pablum. However, not all of it is Pablum. A great deal of Christian fiction, music, preaching, and teaching has real sustenance to it. I read somewhere years ago that men in particular learn more from a good well-placed story (parable) and remember it longer than all the facts and figures dished out. Do most people need to read and study the Bible more? Without a doubt! But keep the good Christian fiction, music, and other forms of learning and even entertainment coming. I don’t think I would want to live in a world that only had the Bible and all else was secular. We need variety and I want that to include variety from Christian sources, not from the world.
You are correct. Pablum was a baby food. I would also like to point out that from the 15th century until at least the early 18th century there were 3 books every Christian household had. The Bible, of course; Foxe’s Book of Martyrs: and Pilgrim’s Progress, which is a work of fiction. The first two are not fiction, but the last one can hardly be considered pablum. Christian fiction can and often does convey deep and essential truths of the Faith.
There is one other thing to point out that being that there is another way to take the comment the blog is based on. Non-Christians and even some Christians (probably more than a few) might consider CF as pablum because it doesn’t protray life in a ‘real’ way. Compared to worldly fiction, movies, etc these people consider CF bland because it contains no or less sex and gratuitous sex language and violence. This can certainly be the case even for CF writers whose works contain those things as rarely do CF works contain such things in the profusion or depth in which the world revels. Thank goodness we do not. The world is a very nasty place which we are not to emulate. Stick to your guns and present Christ in your works. Make Him proud of you and don’t worry what the world (or Christian detractors) think.
Yes, the Bible is the most important thing we can read, and we need good daily doses of it. But Jesus used stories to help people relate to the truths He taught. If Jesus did it, we can do it.
I don’t agree that most Christian fiction is pablum, but even pablum has its place in the church. Unbelievers and new believers can’t handle meat until they’ve gone through the milk stage.
Story is often more powerful than prose, because it reaches people at the heart level. It’s also more memorable.
Christian fiction comes in many forms. Some is simply entertaining. I remember one funny book that helped get me through a painful illness. Others have challenged me and strengthened my resolve to live closer to my Savior. Some have brought me to tears and helped me deal with deep hurts and learn more about total forgiveness.
So Christian fiction writers, keep on serving the Lord the best you can.
By the way, Pablum was a delicious baby cereal. I remember begging my mom to let me have some when she fed my younger sister.
‘And then I was like, “What in the name of all that’s holy is Pablum?”’ LOL! That was my first reaction to his comment, too.
Good post! To me, reading is relaxing, a way of traveling all over the world vicariously, as well as hearing a word of encouragement that I needed to hear or a word of guidance. I don’t enjoy watching TV or movies (unless it’s sports), so reading is my enjoyment. Thank you (and all Christian fiction writers) for sharing your stories with us! 🌹
I know that I have been convicted of sin through Christian Fiction. In other cases I have learned from a character in a book that I need to have more compassion for others. Thanks for your part in judging me closer to Jesus!!
I really appreciate you thoughtful approach to answering this question, Jody. I’ve never had anyone actually say this type of thing to me in person, but I’ve definitely picked up on the thoughts running through their minds when their expression changes and I get one of those “Oh” responses. Ha!
A wonderful post, Jody! I’ve heard this comment from fellow
Christians, and others have asked why I’m writing “Christian Fiction” because in their view, there’s “no such thing.” Well, I think this attitude comes from both pride and ignorance. People turning their noses up at fiction aren’t always the ones devouring non-fiction books to edify their minds either. And I feel sorry for them because they’re missing out on a literary world which would both enlighten them and physically help their brains because studies have shown that book reading every day will help delay or reduce the risk of dementia in later years. It lights up those parts of the brain that have to do with imagination but also cognitive problem-solving, as one reads through the plot line. That alone is worth reading every day!
This was a great post and very well thought out! Thank you for your wonderful response! While I’ve never personally encountered such an attitude, I know it exists. Your reasoning is spot-on with how I see Christian fiction. I’ve often been convicted and encouraged by what I’ve found on the pages of such books.
Jody, my first thought when I read your reaction to the word pablum was that you are very young never to have heard it before. LOL! Pablum was an infant cereal from the Great Depression era, well before my time, but I have used the word, probably because I learned it from my mom who was a young adult during the depression. Anyway, this kind of reaction to Christian Fiction has been around as long as CF has existed. Sad but true. Your response is excellent.
Well said. Thanks for putting this out there.
What an amazing post. I’ve delt with people saying these things to me and I really appreciate you putting this here. You and other Christian authors have really inspired me in my faith and inner strength through your Christian fiction.
I guess you have to be old to know what Pablum is!!! lol The original baby food cereal type stuff….one always grows out of needing that and going on to better tastier food. I LOVE Christian fiction and my husband and I both read a lot of it now in our retirement years. My children and most of the grandchildren have become readers too. Example is a great way to teach them—-and gifting them with good books. My Mother used to be one of those who thought that she didn’t have time to read fiction because she needed to study her Bible. Very noble and true, BUT I feel like I enjoy studying my Bible much more and often just read it for “pleasure” (Old Testament stories!!) because I don’t deprive myself of enjoying Christian fiction. Does that make sense? It does to me. I also know that sometimes we’ve picked up some non-Christian books from the library and if we read too many of them we can feel ourselves being pulled down instead of being lifted up. The answer is Jesus!!
There are Christian fiction characters who have inspired me with their realizations, their stands for truth, their courage, their compassion. All things that help me see what faith looks like on Earth. Sure, I have my faith from the Bible. Seeing it lived out in the pages of fiction and history is priceless.
This is so infuriating! Christian fiction is entertainment that does not have all the filth and cursing that many books and TV do. I have read many books from Christian fiction authors that have spoken to me about the valley I was in and filled me with the Holy Spirit. Pointing a non believer to such a book may help them want to know more about God, I’ve seen it happen. This will then lead to reading the Bible. God laid it on my heart many years ago to stop reading secular authors and read Christian authors. I love the books so much more, I have such a peace not to mention how happy they make me. Oh, did I mention the fabulous people I meet because of them? The authors, and other readers are awesome people that will lift you up when you need it, we are like a family. My answer is let them be book snobs because they are the ones losing out!
Stories can build us..if we read the right kind of stories they can teach us so many things. So many fiction books that I read cause me to muse on the Biblical themes that it contained. Christian Fiction books can have such an impact on the heart. They are really missing out.
Excellent response! I am sure there are some “pablum” Christian fiction out there, but readers soon learn who the great storytellers are e.g. yourself, Joanna Davidson Politano, Lisa Wingate, Elizabeth Camden, etc. I know Christian authors pray over their stories and strive to be a voice of encouragement to their readers. And they succeed. And as for reading your Bible, amen to that, but what great stories (and I don’t mean fiction) God tells e.g. Ruth and Boaz.
Thank you for posting about this topic on your blog. I would tell them that they are missing the point. Christian fiction doesn’t and shouldn’t take the place of Bible reading/studying because it was never meant to. Christian fiction is about entertainment, but if you really pay attention and read it, it can give you direction (to God) and encouragement to get through the rough parts of life. You along with other Christian authors don’t gloss over the hard parts of life, but instead face them head on which I greatly appreciate. I love that I have books to read in Christian fiction that are steeped in Biblical morals and values.
To those who think they are “too good” for Christian fiction books. How sad I am for you, you are missing out on a lot of great reading. I read all types of books as well as Christian fiction, horror, suspense, romance etc. I love reading period. I love reading Christian fiction books because it brings peace to my mind, body and soul in a world of so much hate and anger, it’s nice to read of people who still believe in God and who believe in the power of prayer. These books have brought me more in touch with the lord, praying and like I said before it brings me peace.
I rarely read any other kind of fiction than Christian Fiction. It’s a matter of opinion for some not to like it I guess. And reading Christian theology and spiritual books are a great help in Christian growth. A pastor once said that Fiction is fluff. I like fluff. But I’m open to non fiction Christian Books too.
Beautifully said. If this person doesn’t understand, it’s because he doesn’t want to.
Well said Jody! Christian fiction often shows me how others have dealt with issues and problems and where they have turned in the Bible for their answers. So I learn more that sends me right back to my Bible. In the last few years, Biblical Christian fiction has become very popular. This year I have been reading my way through the Old Testament with Biblical Christian fiction in conjunction. It has caused me to go back and reread passages with more understanding than I previously had. I don’t call any of this pablum. Yes, you feed a baby pablum; and for those who are still babes in their Christian walk or who do not know our Lord and Savior at all, one Christian book may be the invitation they need or the answer that sends them back to God’s Word. God uses many ways and many people to reach out to us. Christian fiction is just one tool that can be used for His purposes.
You nailed it, Jody. Jesus used stories that communicate Christian principles. Readers can often relate to characters or events in the stories and they may reach people who never step into a church.
It’s gratifying for some personalities to indulge in a moment of sanctimonious righteousness on social media. I so appreciated your gracious and valid response! I’ve heard that attitude before from my own father as a young teen who got lost in books. Let’s face it, most of us need a relaxing thing to do at the end of a long day and reading fiction is far better than many options available. And your insights on Jesus and the parables, and our human nature to love stories helps me to recognize that little dose of shaming for what it is. Thank you. I’ve noticed the more time I spend on screens-Candy Crush, Netflix, etc the shorter my attention span for reading gets. Horrors!
Excellent points!
Thank you, Jody. My most recent encounter with a critic of my desire to ALSO write fiction, was discouraging. Especially since it was someone I thought was a friend. Storytelling has been a respected art for centuries. As was mentioned above, Jesus’ parables were stories that we remember and use to meditate on Biblical truths. I wish I had read this blog before the encounter with my critic. Perhaps I could have brought insights into the discussion instead of stepping back and away from this person. Thanks again.
First, it was never the intention of Christian fiction to take the place of reading the Bible. Sermons are not a substitution for reading the Bible. Both have the ability to illuminate the Word. Entertainment is not a bad thing. It’s unfortunate this person or others cannot see fiction for what is and what it could be. I wonder if they watch movies or listen to music? These are avenues of inspiration that lead people to Christ.
I’ve always said that the one think I love most about Christian Fiction, is that the story may be fiction but the Word of God is real and has in plenty of times ministered.
Truths of the Bible are more real when worked out in fiction through the characters. I would tell them don’t knock it, try it.
There are many Christian fiction genres out there that will appeal to all in some form or the other.
Oh my….such snobbery. I enjoy Christian fiction and will keep reading it no matter what others think. It is an addition to nurturing our faith to attending church or reading our bible or listening to Christian music. Keeping God in our lives in times such as these is important.
To all of the authors whose stories I have read… I thank you for feeding me when I was hungry for God’s message in story form, for encouraging me with your words in the middle of my storms, for sharing your gift with all of us, making us better than we were before. Thank you for always pointing me to Jesus. It happens every time and I thank you. May He continue to bless you with the words you need, the wisdom to impart, the love and compassion to draw us in and move us to serve Him…With love and a grateful heart.
Amen to that!
I was told by a Pastor no less that he wished I would be fired ( I am our fiction buyer) and my fiction department removed from our store. I told him that I am more than willing to debate him in Theology. He kind of avoids me now at the store.
Oh, my…where to start? I feel sorry for the author of that statement. God has given us humans the gift of imagination. Those authors who use their God-given gifts for the edification of others and to His glory are doing what they were created to do. As in all fields, there are some who are better than others, but all have their place. I am a steward of the time God gives me. I read His Word first and foremost (love the Word before World emphasis). But when my work for the day is done, my relaxation is a good Christian fiction book. I will not be reading about torrid love affairs, but sweet romance. I will encounter flawed human beings who have problems, but as I watch them struggle, they will be showing me the importance of taking our human struggles to God and let Him work them out for His glory. The book I am currently reading adds a twist to a troubled man’s redemption…that of making restitution. He was assigned to go to each person he wronged (committing seemingly harmless pranks as a thoughtless teen) and was tasked with asking about the lasting effects of his foolish actions. The effects are fictional, but the principles are universal. In this case, our sinful actions (or words) can affect people in ways we
would not…could not ever imagine. This story will stay with me for a long time and I am better for having read it. While God’s Word is not to be diminished, fictional stories written by Christ-lovers can give us a glimpse into the heart of God. (Jesus told parables…)
Excellent post, Jody! Thank you for these excellent responses. I agree with the other respondents as to the power and place of story in life. So many of the Christian fiction books I’ve read have illustrated some hidden tenet within God’s Word. Something I hadn’t noticed or understood when I read it in scripture. What a powerful way to come alongside a person and add truth and light to the world.
Hallo, Hallo Ms Hedlund,
I subscribe by email and re-routed myself to respond via the blog itself – I have an alternative take on this topic – it isn’t just the genre itself which is misunderstood as a lot of people mistake INSPY (its easier to tweet as #INSPY than spelling the fuller names out all the time!) Fiction for solely being Christian based as it encompasses the full breadth of the genre itself – by definition Inspirational Fiction is the main umbrella for ALL faith-based stories, etc. However, outside of that one flaw in how people react whenever I broach I love reading #INSPY Lit as just saying that seems to open a door to negativity; the other issue I find regularly is a) being a hybrid reader of mainstream and INSPY stories (both Fic/NonF) a lot of fellow readers/bloggers exclude me or b) if you read mainstream at all, they don’t consider you a true INSPY reader (boggles me that line of thought?).
I’ve been blogging my reading life for six years and all the key points you’ve broached have come along, too. Is Sweet Romance too sweet, is Hallmark films too predictable (as I’m a huge Hallmark girl) why do you read INSPY, etc, etc. I’ve tried to be as transparent as I can be on my blog – in many cases, more than I intended and the issue I have really is why are we not celebrating the fact we all champion the same genre even if we don’t look / talk / act alike? I mean, we’re all individuals at the get-go so why not have open inclusion rather than trying to push everyone away who reads INSPY but doesn’t fit the ‘box’ of an INSPY reader?
I think this also is why people shy away from INSPY – they don’t think its realistic enough for modern readers (although, I’ve found many realistically dynamic INSPY novelists who bring real world issues & lives into their stories: Brenda S. Anderson, Julie Lessman, Kellie Coates Gilbert, Dee Henderson, and many others; esp the LI: S line of authors) and yet overlook those who keep it relevant for all.
All I do know is that if someone wants to start an argument with me, it is usually about my INSPY readings and/or the fact because I don’t overly disclose my spiritual life online (except I do mention I’m a Protestant) I somehow am off in my own category of being a book blogger for INSPY novelists and NF writers. I think this is what your hinting towards too – this segregation and separation of persons who don’t fit into proverbial boxes or ignorantly do not understand certain genres of interest.
At the end of the day, I am a reader who champions the stories I love devouring and I will continue to be a book cheerleader for all story-tellers who give me a wicked good read! Whether from INSPY or mainstream markets. I do pray readers will stop judging us by what we read and celebrate the reads we mutually share in common.
You said this so beautifully, and from such a place of grace. 💜
Vreat points Jody!! I would say don’t knock it until you try it!
Also too those comments may be comming from people who can’t read, read very little or just don’t read at all. For example my husband does not read because he doesn’t like to and he has said that he can’t comprehend what he’s reading. I told him that he’s missing out on so many blessings!
I just don’t understand how he gets through life without reading! I’d be bored to death!!
Oh my you said it so well here. Thank you for this wonderful post. It really helps me when I have someone who says that my reading christian fiction is pointless, stick to the Bible. Sigh. On a side note here: I love your books and I appreciate your writing. Your books have entertained me as well as encouraged me to look things up in my Bible and have re-enforced many truths. Again I thank you for your wisdom and pray that you will continue to follow Gods ways. Hugs
And try writing Amish fiction! Talk about backlash and/or prejudice. LOL.
That’s okay, though.
I began writing about seven years ago and I feel like I am doing exactly what I was made to do. It’s such an incredible feeling. With every book I write, I find confirmation in my pastor’s sermons. Seriously, I recently finished a series of Bible story-themed Amish romances. Whichever story (David, for example) I was writing at the time, the pastor would bring it up in his sermon. My family has gotten used to me just shaking my head, sitting there in complete awe, because my pastor preached something in his sermon that was identical to what I had just written. (It’s either that or I’m getting ideas for themes in my next book.)
Isn’t God good?!
And then there are reader reviews. To those readers out there who review books, thank you! You probably don’t realized what an encouragement it is to an author to hear how the book resonated with you. I pray that every book I write will touch the hearts of my readers and bring glory to Him!
Thanks for the post, Jody!
I think your second point, “We can elevate anything into a god (when it becomes the center of our lives), but entertainment is not inherently sinful (or a god),” really speaks to the core of that person’s issue. He/she was assuming that people who read Christian fiction are using that instead of the bible, and also assuming that reading the bible more than anything else is an indication of where a person’s heart is. Reading the bible a lot is great, but just reading something doesn’t make you a believer in it. Anything we seek more than God in our lives becomes an idol, even things everyone agrees are good such as family, or even ministry! I see this incident is an important reminder of Matthew 6:33 and Matthew 7:1.
But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. (Matthew 6:33 NIV)
Do not judge, or you too will be judged. (Matthew 7:1)
I really enjoy reading Christian fiction and I’m thankful for those who are bold enough to share their faith through creative means. What better way to live out Philippians 4:8 which tells us to focus on what’s good, and Proverbs 4:23 which tells us to guard our hearts, than by taking in media and literature that promotes righteous values and stories of faith? I’ve personally been very encouraged by Christian fiction, I thank God for your stories!
Christian fiction is a tool God uses to reach others who might not spend much of any time reading their Bible. When I stumbled across my first Christian fiction book, I read some less-than-appropriate stories that were leading me down some dark paths, or at least at a minimum, were not guiding me out of them. That first Christian fiction book showed me a relationship between a husband and wife like I had never seen. And I wanted it. Pursued it through reading more. Which eventually led me to looking at the foundational truths presented so subtly in them. God used Christian fiction to draw me to Him, far more than any non-fiction book has. Even in my much more mature walk, Christian fiction gives me a chance to see and know God more in a different light. Christian fiction is critical to teaching our hearts. I’ll get off my soapbox now…