Why I don’t enjoy “christian” fiction
Filed under Soapbox on April 19, 2007
Tagged: CBA, christianity
Labels serve an important purpose. Regardless of politically correct propaganda, they are not evil. Misused and abused some times, yes, but not evil.
A label is a means of identifying and categorizing. If I am interested in reading a fantasy novel, I’m not going to browse the Historical section at the bookstore. And I’m going to have a certain expectation about the contents of a book shelved under Fantasy.
The same principle applies to anything labeled “Christian.” Moreso, given the fact that there is a clearly delineated, long-standing, simple-to-understand definition of that label–the Bible. Anything that calls itself “Christian” must stand up to the doctrines and image of God revealed by those inspired words. When it doesn’t, not only am I jerked out of the story, but my overall impression of the work is tainted.
It is the same reaction I have to the curse word thrown in a movie for shock or “realism” when another word would have conveyed the same meaning. Fortunately, I have the movie ratings system to warn me. If something has an “R” label, I won’t go see it because I know what constitutes an R rating.
Unfortunately, there are many who take the name “Christian,” but their beliefs and practices differ from those seen in the Bible. Thus, I’m not guaranteed that a “Christian” work is going to reflect the teachings of the Bible. As a result, I have to keep my guard up and cannot loose myself in the story being told. It’s like watching a PG-13 movie. I have to worry that the characters are going to let slip the “f-bomb” at some point.
(This is not to say that I condone the use of other swear words, or that they have less of an effect. They still make me cringe and jerk me out of the story.)
I think, ultimately, this is my argument against the CBA. I understand the desire to clearly label a segment of the market for those who seek books that agree with their sensibilities. It is my own desire. But the “Christian” label does not do that for me. When I see it, I don’t relax. I go into “Berean” mode.
April 20th, 2007 at 6:00 am
This is a good reasoning. I have the same problem with “Christian” fiction but have never really been able to articulate my problem.
By the way, I really enjoyed your Forgotten Realms book. You really delved into what pain is while writing an interesting adventure story.
April 20th, 2007 at 7:07 am
Hey, John. Glad you found the site, and that you enjoyed Maiden. I remember coming across your blog a couple years ago after some vanity Googling. I’ve enjoyed some of the discussions you’ve had there.
April 20th, 2007 at 5:06 pm
Well, you had me wondering, Kameron. This isn’t anything like what I expected after reading your comment at DG’s site.
I think being in Berean mode is a good thing! I wish more Christians were in Berean mode, and not just for SFF. We should constantly be checking cultureal influences, art, our sermons and Bible lessons. And certainly our books. Relax? May it never be!
Becky
April 20th, 2007 at 5:30 pm
Yay, Becky can post to my blog!
Heh, yeah, not exactly the same topic. I think I’ve voiced my concerns about CBA before, here and elsewhere. I may not take as hard a line as DG or Keith Strohm, but I definitely feel my efforts better spent going the ABA route. And I’ve seen the “enclave” attitude in my church–and myself. I use my talents of teaching and preaching to edify my brethren; I think my talents as a writer are better suited to evangalizing. whether subtley through stories from a Christian worldview or overtly through allegory and non-fiction.