Hey Visionaries! Another week, another post! I'm super excited to share another post by Madisyn Carlin. She's on fire for how we should use our words and stories for the glory of our Creator and, as you know, I love that!
So, without further ado...here is an epic post by Madi!
I know what you may be thinking. Oh, here she is again. With another post about faith in fiction. It’s not like she already has two or three other posts about this.
Yes, here I am again. Because this is a topic I am passionate about. Because this is a topic I am furious about. Because this a topic we, as the collective “Christian” writing community, are failing in.
Perhaps this post is a rant. Perhaps it is an admonition. Perhaps it is a personal reminder. I don’t know. What I do know is many are falling prey to the “Christian Fiction Without Christ” virus that is rapidly spreading and infecting a plethora of writers and authors.
“Christian Fiction Without Christ?” What does that even mean?
It means their books are included in the Christian Fiction umbrella, but there is no faith. No mention of God, Christ, or the Bible. I just read a social media post where a prolific author was almost bragging about such. In fact, the closest thing to any mention of faith in her books was a brief, off-handed comment made by a secondary character.
I’m not saying every book must include a redemption message. I’m not saying you must incorporate a salvation scene in every story. I’m not even saying every book needs lengthy discussions about faith. But if you are a Christian, and you claim to write Christian fiction, there better be not one ounce of shame in including faith in your books.
In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. Matthew 5:16, ESV
As Christians, we are to be bold and firm when professing our faith. The “norm” now is to completely omit any mention of being a Christian from your author bio, and to “have good morals” in your books, but no outright faith.
Unbelievers have morals too. I can read a clean and sweet and be reminded that lying and thievery are wrong. If you don’t impart a message of faith—whether prayers, reading the Bible, attending church, a salvation message, or so on—your book, even if it’s beneath the Christian category, is no different than a secular one.
Fellow believers, fellow writers and authors, we are to let our light shine. We are to face the darkness and burn brightly. They need to look at our books and know there’s something different. We can’t spread the Word when we blend in with the world.
I’ll be honest. I have no respect for Christians who abstain from including faith in their books. In fact, I refuse to support them by reading and recommending their book. Nor do I have no respect for those who demean authors who pour their passion and faith into their writing. If you don’t want to include faith, then write for the general market. This “Christian Fiction Without Christ” is just a lure, drawing in those who desire genuine Christian books and then delivering a measly secular one instead.
There are many unbelievers who are nice. Do they read your books and think, “This is a Christian book?” Or do they read your books and go, “Oh. She’s definitely a Christian.”
We need to be the latter.
In a time where deviating from writing true Christian fiction is becoming laudable, stand strong in your faith. Do not be afraid of Gospel. If you are a Christian who writes Christian books, don’t remove Christ from the “Christian” in your Christian fiction.
The world is growing ever darker, and light is ever more despised. Darkness cannot convince darkness it is in error and needs a Savior. Only by proclaiming our faith will those steeped in unbelief see the difference.
We need the light. Do not stifle your light by placing it under the metaphorical basket of “Christian Fiction Without Christ”.
Be bold by infusing your writing with faith. Be firm in delivering the Gospel message. And be, as Paul so ardently declares in Romans 1:16a, “Unashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes”.
Let’s show the world the truth through our writing.
Let your writing proclaim you are unashamed.
Let’s put Christ back in “Christian Fiction”.
About the Author
Madisyn Carlin is a Christian, homeschool graduate, blogger, voracious bookdragon, and author. When not spending time with her family or trekking through the mountains, she weaves tales of redemption, faith, and action.
Editorial, graphic design, cover design, and website design services offered at Mountain Peak Edits & Design.
Want to connect? https://linktr.ee/madisyncarlin