is christian fiction too tame ?

[zealot66]

I dont read very much christian fiction because I always feel like Im watching the disney channel. There are however some very good writers out there but it seems like many just dont say or develop plots that push the edge.

Having said that, even secular writers have taste. Im not advocating christian writers start putting needles graphic content in their books such as sex, overdoing foul language, etc. It isnt needed.

Im a fan of military history but the novels published by christians that Ive read from the genre just really dont give any sense of realism especially if youve served before. It seems like combat just isnt acceptable to publishers when in military fiction, thats the heart of the matter with the raw fear and emotion and soul searching.

If you all know of any christian fiction that might be to my liking please put it here.

I also just decided to start a blog putting out random pieces of stuff I write. link up with me if you do the same.

theeagleswillgather.blogspot.com

 

[hsmommyofmany]

I dont read very much christian fiction because I always feel like Im watching the disney channel. There are however some very good writers out there but it seems like many just dont say or develop plots that push the edge.

Having said that, even secular writers have taste. Im not advocating christian writers start putting needles graphic content in their books such as sex, overdoing foul language, etc. It isnt needed.

Im a fan of military history but the novels published by christians that Ive read from the genre just really dont give any sense of realism especially if youve served before. It seems like combat just isnt acceptable to publishers when in military fiction, thats the heart of the matter with the raw fear and emotion and soul searching.

If you all know of any christian fiction that might be to my liking please put it here.

I also just decided to start a blog putting out random pieces of stuff I write. link up with me if you do the same.

theeagleswillgather.blogspot.com

not sure if you like fantasy but my husband wrote a book called My Brothers Keeper (jonathan Lewis is his name). you can get it on amazon, or from us (we can send it to you directly, we have copies at the house) check it out. if you like it, pass the word. he is working on the sequel right now.

 

[Christianfantasy]

YesyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyesYESYESYESYESYESYESYESYESYESYES!

Christian fiction IS too tame! I’m in a rush right now and I can’t elaborate. I’ll plan to do so as soon as time permits. In the meantime, thanks for posing a really good question. It needs to be asked and answered A Lot More Often!!!

 

[SpitfireOverThames]

Check out books by Paul L. Maier. He is definitely worth considering for books that are interesting, historical, and well-written. I'm currently reading a book by him called PONTIUS PILATE. I have another book of his called, FLAMES OF ROME that I plan to read next. He also wrote A SKELETON IN GOD'S CLOSET which, I think, is his biggest book.

I think writing from Christians (as well, and especially, television/film) mostly lacks honesty about the world around us. It would like to paint a rosy picture of the world, of how God intervenes, of how God saves the day. But in many cases, God is silent, and He does not save the day in real life. I look forward to the day when writers and filmmakers who are Christian will be able to write completely honestly, with attention to detail, portraying of great characters, and the sharing of Christ without words, but in the lives, reactions, and conflicts of characters explored.

Christian music in the last 15 years has "grown up" because of skilled musicians and songwriters. This is why the music of some bands has crossed over into mainstream arenas.

I hope we will see the same from those who are involved in writing fiction, writing screenplays, producing and directing film either on the small or big screen.

~Sean

 

[Radagast]

Im a fan of military history but the novels published by christians that Ive read from the genre just really dont give any sense of realism especially if youve served before. It seems like combat just isnt acceptable to publishers when in military fiction, thats the heart of the matter with the raw fear and emotion and soul searching.

Have you read "We Were Soldiers Once... and Young" (filmed as "We Were Soldiers")? A true account, written by a Christian. And realistic.

Have you read "The Lord of the Rings"? Tolkien draws on his own combat experiences in World War I in that novel. But though he was Christian, that novel isn't part of the so-called "Christian fiction" genre.

 

[mont974x4]

Have you read anything by CS Lewis? Ted Dekker? Frank Peretti?

 

[Christianfantasy]

Hi again, Zealot. There is a reason Christian books are so “tame.” The CBA [Christian Booksellers Association] has put out a list of guidelines, and they absolutely refuse to carry any fiction that doesn’t comply. I used to have the list, and it was unfreakingbelievably restrictive. My personal summary would be: “If it’s interesting and/or gets to the heart of the real life human experience, it’s off limits.” I don’t think anyone who hasn’t dealt first hand with leading non-Catholic [Catholics being more permissive with their fiction] Christian agents and publishers can fully comprehend the frustration a normal writer encounters in trying to get past the CBA guidelines. (And of course I’m not talking about self-publishing, vanity publishing, POD, or any other non-mainstream venue. I’m referring only to the Evangelical Christian publishing industry, specifically.)

I have no idea what it would take to get realistic Christian military fiction published. I notice that some of the suggestions offered appear to fall outside either the fiction or military element of the genre. [Fantasy fiction that includes military scenes and components is great stuff, don’t get me wrong, and I love reading it. It’s not military fiction per se, however. Military fiction refers to nitty gritty military realism, sans any and all fantasy elements, depicted by a person who absolutely knows, first hand, what he or she is talking about.] I’m not an expert on the Military Fiction genre, though, so I assume at least some of the suggestions were spot on.

I think it’s a crying shame that there isn’t a vibrant and growing Christian Military Fiction market. It’s an even bigger shame in a more general sense that so many in our culture fail to recognize and fully appreciate the sacrifices, bravery, skill and dedication of our armed forces. Societies that cease to respect and honor their warrior class inevitably crumble and eventually decline into obscurity or extinction.

On a different subject, have you ever read a WWII novel called The Loser, by Peter Ustinov? Not every reviewer loved it, but I thought it was fantastic. (It’s not Christian per se, btw.) It’s about a lower tier German officer, and iirc, the blurb went something like, “He was born to win, but he lost at love, he lost at war, and he lost at life.” Despite the ominous hook, the book contains the three funniest scenes I’ve ever read in print. I honestly nearly died laughing, the first time I read it. If you like WWII stories, it’s definitely worth your while.

 

[sunstruckdream]

...Christian fiction.

I don't read the stuff anymore. With a handful of exceptions, I just don't like most of what I've read of it. From what I've seen, it's scared to death to go beneath the surface and be realistic. Believe it or not, not all of life is pretty and happy. I don't think "Christian" should be a genre. A Christian is a person, not a label, and you can be a Christian writer without writing cheese and melodrama.

I went on a Google hunt for the CBA guidelines - didn't find them - but I found this and thought it was interesting: http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1058/is_n36_v114/ai_20175656/pg_1

 

[MrBF1V3]

Have you tried Marcher Lord Press (look it up)? It's out there, if you're lucky you can find it.

B5

 

[avatarblade2000]

Christianfantasy and sunstruck know EXACTLY what they're talking about. For those that don't know, take note and hang on every word.

And to answer your question, yes. I can understand the reasoning of some writers and publishers of overtly Christian content: if it can lead a person astray, we don't put it in print, that's not what we're about. HOWEVER, I feel if you don't put things into perspective, especially when a reader can't apply what they're learned, and the story is insulting the reader's intelligence the whole way with its sugar-coated elements, then it can be just as counterproductive.

Frank Peretti, one of my favorite "Christian" writers, is guilty of both of these. He's gotten better, I think, particularly in THE OATH, which treated an unbelievable premise with sincere, often terrifying "realism" without sacrificing the more ugly truths of the plot (including gore and sex, which lent to the plot later without being tasteless or arbitrary).

My point being, I think you can include the luder parts of life in your story if it lends to the plot AND, in the end, helps to glorify God, if only in contrast. I don't shirk away from those subjects in my writing, and I don't intend to. Life isn't sugarcoated, so I don't think fiction should either - not if someone can learn something life-changing from what they're reading.

 

[DarkCoffeeJazz]

Two words. Ted Dekker. (I think he's a christian author, at least.)

I especially loved the movie based off the book, called "Thr3e". That one is kinda creepy.
Also, House. That's a creepy book, so I've heard. And I think a person or two actually dies. But I haven't read it myself, so I don't know. I think some of the people are able to get out by accepting Christ. The house was possessed, or something. I'm sure if you look up a review you'll see what I'm trying to say.

 

[YourlilKatiebaby]

Yes. Ted Dekker is amazing. The circle trilogy.... Oh goodness, dont even get me started, I wont stop. Thr3e was really good too. I am in the middle of Skin and my sister is reading Kiss. Both look and are really good.

I didnt know there was a movie to Thr3e! I am totally looking into that

 

[Christianfantasy]

I’m not personally familiar with Dekker’s writing, but the mention of him in this thread caught my attention. I read about him on Wikipedia, which I know is not always a reliable source. Assuming they’re right in this case, Dekker has an interesting publishing history. His first three novels were rejected by the Christian publishing powers that be for being “too demonic” [you can’t make this stuff up]. He then collaborated with an author named Bill Bright to produce a novel evidently more acceptable to the Christian market [Blessed Child]. He next wrote and sold A Man Called Blessed, and it was only after that that he was able to get his first three “demonic” novels published, and to go on and write the novels that have made him so popular. I find it an illustrative and inspirational story. Fwiw.

 

[silas]

I love to read and write mysteries, but I dislike stories with profanity, gratuitous sex or graphic violence. These things in no way glorify the Lord. Yet for nearly all mainstream writers those things are virtually de rigueur.

I have read quite a few "tame" stories which were exciting, eloquently crafted and enjoyable. I tend to question the skills of any writer who needs gore and vulgarity to sell a story.

 

[Christianfantasy]

I have never criticized any story, Christian or otherwise, for omitting profanity, going too light on gory violence, or for omitting gratuitous sex scenes. I hope that's a helpful clarification.

 

[LadyNRA]

Wow, I do tend to agree with you SpitFireOverThames. I love reading Christian fiction because I find it relaxing, and more hopeful and uplifting when I'm feeling over whelmed by everyday life (like how I'd rather watch Flash Gordon The Series or Dr. Who over watching the new Battlestar Galactica which is just modern times and modern social 'junk' set in space). However, I do sometimes think Christian authors put in the preaching and soap boxing far too much. I'm a believer, I don't need to be preached at in THAT regard. So I also enjoy some more 'gritty' Christian material when I can find it. You are so right that most of those 'light' books just don't reflect 'reality' and real struggles that Christians go through. No everyone winds up rich, or happy or healthy in real life and dealing with these issues from a 'realistic' Christian standpoint wouldn't be a bad thing. I like the fantasy/science fiction and mystery/medical oriented christian fiction for this reason.

 

[keith99]

One 'problem' Christian writing has is that if it is not explicitly Christian, meaning drags on about doctrine and prayer and it is any good it gets classed as mainline or some other genre. Lord of the Rings is Fantasy. Narnia is Childrens. Lewis's Space Trilogy is Science Fiction. The Screwtape Letters is the piece of fiction be either Lewis or Tolkein that would be considered Christian. Yet all the works I listed are.

Much good Christian writing stresses good and evil or moral values more than explicit (or worse sectarian) Christianity. LOTR gets pretty gritty in places. The books portray evil quite differently than the films. Note that both Shelob and the mounts of the Nazgul stank and were foul in hte books, not sleek and almost shiny as in the films.

One can hardly call either Narnia or Screwtape tame considering how they end.

My take, stay with Christian writers who are more inclined to deal with 'universal' truths rather than christian doctrines.

Oh and some Christian Histories are rather grizzley. Foxes book of Marytrs comes to mind. Burn them, hang them, crucify them. Far from tame.

 

[CelticRose]

Personally I think the English Christian writers are stronger. Lewis & Tolkien are obvious but G.K. Chesterton & Dorothy L. Sayers are excellent without being *preachy* & do a good mystery to boot. Sayers' translation of Dante is still considered one of the more vigerous & exciting translations.

 

[LadyNRA]

Yeah, I really enjoyed Chesterton. I have all 3 of his books. I also really enjoy the tongue in cheek novels where the author is more interested in entertaining than in soap-boxing. Yes, the Christian message is there but it doesn't slap the reader in the face with it so even an non-believing reader wouldn't be turned off by it.

 

[Proud Christian 2]

You don't have to read Christian fiction. It is just a type of book that won't have anything contraverse to our beliefs.
Once again, you don't have to.