From the author of the new Christian fantasy novel, Deception of Magic.Wisdom of the world is a candle, in the wind. The wind blows, and the fire blows out. The Wisdom of God is a raging inferno in the wilderness. The wind blows, and the fire spreads.
Time and time again, I see the blogs from writers, agents, and many others that slam “preachy” authors that write Christian fiction. I want to set some things straight on this “hot button” topic.
The bestselling book throughout history is the Bible. The Bible is the bestselling book year after year, without fail. That puts God as the number one selling author in the world! Maybe we should listen to what this bestselling, "preachy" author has to say.
What does the number one selling author, God, have to say? Matthew 6:33 - But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Christian writers have many things they need to focus on. Biblical correctness, Christian world view, grammar, the art of writing, audience, a good and entertaining story, and so on. However, a lot of the “experts” ask Christian authors to put the wagon in front of the horse, by focusing more on the art of writing and keeping “God” out of the writing, or so watered down you have to search with binoculars to find Him. They tell you to keep your "agenda fiction" and your "preachy" novel to yourself!
What should Christian writers do? All Christians are to seek to glorify God FIRST! We are to seek to further the Kingdom of God, not our own kingdoms. When a Christian author writes, the following questions should be addressed before the pen touches the paper, or before fingers touch the keyboard.
- Will God be Glorified in my book?
- Will the dying lost come to a saving knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ?
- Will the saints of God gain knowledge or insight?
God, His Word, and a Christian world view, should be the foundation for all Christian writers. That being said, the building on top of that foundation needs to look good, so people will come. The building I am referencing is grammar, spelling, the art of writing, an entertaining and good story, plot, etc… These cannot be ignored. Every author should have a qualified editor. Critique is an absolute must as well. A novel can be very Godly, but if the reader can’t get through the first page because of poor writing, your Godly message will never reach the masses. I know! This is my area of opportunity for improvement!
How do we glorify God and reach the lost with the message of salvation in Christian fiction? Pray, and let God be your guide. People are reached in different ways. My book, Deception of Magic, may reach “person A”, but not “person B”. Your book may use symbolism and allegory like C.S. Lewis, and reach “person B”, and not “person A”. A third novel, may use a character that has a strong Christian life style, and reach “person C”. In other words, God can and does use a variety of methods to proclaim His Word. God may impress upon your heart a certain style or method, because He knows who He is going to touch with your words. Put God first, and let Him guide you on how to present Him in your book.
Whenever you hear those spreading the wisdom of the world to not be “preachy” and to water down your message, step back, and let God be your wisdom. They are handing you a candle on a windy day. Glorify God in your craft, and let His Wisdom bless the masses you are writing to. His light will be as the light of a raging wildfire. The wind will only spread the light.
Joel Bouriaque
Deception of Magic, Available at http://www.amazon.co.../dp/0615549020/ and http://www.christian...80615549026.htm
