I occasionally read Christian fiction stories that tackle deep and challenging real life issues. Story can be an effective way to teach us how to empathise with people who are in difficult and messy situations. Through the character’s point-of-view we can gain valuable insights into how they think, feel and respond in specific circumstances. We can experience their emotional roller coaster and cheer them on as they seek to overcome problems and obstacles in the story.
I honestly don’t think there are any issues that are too hot or controversial to include in fiction that includes Christian content. These types of stories are less likely to become best sellers in the Christian fiction market because they’ll probably fall outside what I call the ‘sweet spot’ for Christian fiction readers. The stories with hot and controversial issues may find a more comfortable home in the general market. I do believe that readers are looking for stories that include God and Jesus in both subtle and overt ways, and authors shouldn’t be afraid to write and publish the stories that the Lord puts on their hearts.
Many authors will use subtext to include elements of what can be categorised as edgy content in their Christian fiction stories. As readers, we bring to the stories we read our knowledge and experience of life and the world. We’re capable of filling in the blanks and we don’t need everything spelled out on the page. For example, if a married couple close their bedroom door in a story, as readers we can make our own assumptions about what may or may not be happening behind the closed door. This is one of the debates that’s currently taking place in the reviews regarding Francine Rivers’ Redeeming Love movie. I loved reading Redeeming Love, and I haven’t had an opportunity to see the movie in Australia and form my own opinion on the movie.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Z-0C02cqFo]
Jesus taught his disciples using stories (parables) and he wasn’t afraid to reach out to the outcasts in society. Cindy Williams’ brilliant book that won the 2021 CALEB Award for Adult Fiction, The Silk Merchant of Sychar, explores the fictional back story of the woman Jesus met at the well. In my book recommendation for The Silk Merchant of Sychar on my blog, I did make a note that some of the content may be too edgy for more conservative readers.
For as long as I can remember, there have been numerous ‘rules’ regarding the content in books labelled Christian fiction.
In summary, sex on the page is almost always a problem, violence on the page is less of a problem for some, and non-denominational content with an evangelical worldview is the preference for the majority of Christian fiction readers. Cursing/swearing and blaspheming is usually a problem, tattoos are sometimes a problem, and the consumption of alcohol and drugs if presented as good or normal is often a problem. Tight fitting or revealing clothing, including swimwear, can be a problem if it’s in a sexual temptation context. Historical fiction can be less problematic than contemporary fiction. Christian romance, irrespective of the content, can be a problem for some readers. And, Amish fiction usually ticks all the boxes for non-offensive content unless the reader has an issue with Amish beliefs.
In my contemporary Christian romance that I released as an independently published 2nd Edition in January, Her Tycoon Hero, the story touches on alcoholism and addiction issues. Alcoholism is an element in the story and my heroine, Cassie, is a recovering alcoholic and new Christian. But, the core story is the developing romance between Cassie and Ryan. Cassie’s alcoholism and past behaviour has created problems that impact the story. One example is her difficult relationship with her father. He struggles to believe that she has changed and her faith has made her a better person.
My logic for not including my main characters drinking alcohol in my Christian romances isn’t based on interpretations on what the Bible says or doesn’t say about the consumption of alcohol. I have seen the damage that alcoholism can cause in relationships, and also the health consequences. Most alcoholics have a life long struggle with sobriety, irrespective of faith or religious belief. As an author, I’d like my Christian romance books to be a safe option for readers who may be struggling with their sobriety. This is my personal choice, and I don’t expect other authors to make the same choice. Reading about characters drinking alcohol will not personally cause me to stumble.
Questions for you: Do you have a favourite issue-based story? Is there a particular Christian fiction book that has touched your heart and encouraged you in your faith journey? Are there story elements that you prefer not to read in books that are labelled Christian fiction? I’d love to hear your thoughts.
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Sneak Peek – A new Contemporary Christian Romance Anthology box set – Love, Faith & Tender Kisses – releasing in March for a limited time. Available in Ebook.
The anthology collection will be available wide at all the major ebook retailers including Amazon, Apple, Kobo and Google Play at the link below:
https://books2read.com/u/mlAODA
Good thoughts, Narelle. I don’t think it’s nearly so much a matter of the topic, as how it’s handled. Years ago in a Christian romance I had a heroine who wasn’t yet a believer who got drunk. She woke up with a crushing headache and realized how stupid that way. Pretty tame example, I know, but those were early days. Anyway, my Christian publisher allowed it.
I recently read a novel (from a Christian publisher) where the Christian character got drunk, and I’m still wondering why that scene was published and what it was supposed to show.
Hi Iola, It sounds like I’d be frustrated to read that scene, too. Every scene should make sense and move the story forward, irrespective of the content. Thanks for commenting. 😊
Hi Donna, I think it’s important to show the real life consequences from specific actions, and your character’s crushing headache is definitely true to life. Thanks for commenting. 😊
Hey, Her Tycoon Hero is on my TBR pile! 😀
Pretty much all the topics covered are things I don’t want to read on the page. Some of them I don’t mind if it’s in reference to a past event they are struggling to overcome, just don’t spell it out for me as you said. I don’t need to know all the details, and I don’t want to know them either. I prefer reading about the recovery not the downfall.
But prostitution, rape victims (in reference to Francine Rivers book) is something I really don’t enjoy as a book topic. I find it too upsetting (good guy coming along to save the day or not). It’s just a very sensitive topic for me.
H Dienece, Redeeming Love isn’t an easy read, and I also found The Atonement Child by Francine Rivers a very challenging book to read. It’s important that we know which books are best avoided, depending on our individual situation. I find the honest reader reviews are helpful, especially when they highlight the potential issues that may trigger some readers. Those trigger warnings can also help sell the book by directing the right readers to the story. I hope you enjoy reading Her Tycoon Hero. Happy reading and thanks for commenting. 😊
I don’t read any fictional books at all, they simply fail to capture my attention. If I were to read a fictional book containing raw topics such as the ones mentioned, I wouldn’t be turned off. Perhaps I should pick up a fictional book and read it as an exercise merely to discipline myself to exploring outside of the genre I’m drawn to.
I’m currently writing a non fiction book which contains rape, alcoholism & suicide.
I’m very new to being an Author, learning a lot through Author’s like yourself.
Hi Liisa,
There’s definitely a place for non-fiction writing – I wrote non-fiction (nutrition) for many years. Non-fiction deals with issues directly whereas fiction can deal with an issue more obliquely.
I think of it like the lyric from the musical ‘The Sound of Music’ – ‘A spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down.’
Fiction is like the sugar that helps a challenging message or theme to slide past a reader’s defences.
May the Lord bless you and your writing. Cindy.
Hi Cindy, I agree, and I love your Sound of Music analogy 😊
Hi Liisa, I do think nonfiction writers can benefit from reading fiction and learning how to utilise elements of story telling in their creative nonfiction. Stories are useful in illustrating and expanding on the factual information. The Atonement Child by Francine Rivers and Picking Up the Pieces by Paula Vince address the consequences of sexual assault. Paula’s book is helpful if you’re interested in learning more from the perspective of the male perpetrator. I hope this helps! Thanks for commenting. 😊
Hi Narelle,
Thank you for the book mention!! One book that really inspired my faith in the early days was ‘A Voice in the Wind’ by Francine Rivers’ – and the two sequel books ‘An Echo in the Darkness’ and ‘As Sure as the Dawn’. They also inspired my writing – a cast of flawed characters, gritty situations and the power of one seemingly insignificant yet faith-filled girl to draw those around her to Jesus.
Hi Cindy, You’re very welcome. Yes, I borrowed those books from the library and read them many years ago. Francine is an amazing storyteller with a beautiful heart. Thanks for commenting. 😊
I know I have read books dealing with issues. I like the fact Cassie is portrayed as always and alcoholic and works at staying sober. To many people think just because you become a christian these issues should be healed. My mum was a compulsive gambler when she became a christian. Her 2 brothers even had a bet on how long she would last not gambling (one said 6 months and One till the next race meeting). Turns out it was her own husband (dad) that was to tempt her. On there honeymoon they went to oakbank SA Easter races and had a bet (about 5 cents) and lost but it was enough for her to be glad she lost and to never gamble again. God did help her but she also saw how easy it would be to slip back (When I say compulsive gambler she would go to the races and come home losing all her wages she had just been paid and this happened every time there was a race meeting).
I don’t want open door sex scenes, as you said we know whats happening without having to read stuff. Julie Lessman does it really well as does Mary Coneally in her historical books. Blasphemy is something that will put a book in the DNF list. Also swearing for the sake of swearing. I would prefer none but one or two of the lesser ones I can over look but if its on every page. I don’t want to read it as I try to keep away from this sort of language. If I won’t say it why do I want to read it. I am not a fan of social drinking. Some people think you cant have fun unless you have a drink and this leads to problems.
One issue I have like seeing dealt with in a careful way is DV I don’t want to see it happening but want to see how the person can get out of the situation and get help. One Womens fiction book dealt with just this. We did see in the first chapter the heroine hiding in the closet after having been hit crying. Then we see her leaving and then getting help and learning it wasn’t her fault. It was a book that could be a trigger but it could also be a book to a. help others see signs of abuse and what to do, and b. help a lady in the situation realise there is help and maybe give then the courage to leave or form a plan.
Hi Jenny, yes, there are Christians who are miraculously healed from addictions, but many Christians will have a daily life long struggle to maintain their sobriety. Gambling addictions are really hard, and our culture is sadly saturated with opportunities to gamble. I’m glad your mum was able to stop and turn her life around. I agree, the books I’ve read from Julie and Mary have handled the situations well. Social drinking is also complicated and can be perceived in different ways depending on the country and culture. A beer at the pub or a glass of wine at dinner is normal part of life for many and not a precursor for an alcohol addiction. DV is another complex issue that requires a great deal of sensitivity and trigger warnings for readers. Thanks for commenting. 😊
Many years ago I read Shaunti Feldhahn’s ‘The Lights of Tenth St’. It was a skilful look inside the way small temptations escalate into unthinkable lifestyles. Very, very well done.
Hi Rebekah, I haven’t heard of this book, and looked it up. It sounds like a challenging read that would inspire the reader to think about the issues. Thanks for commenting. 😊
I think it depends on the mood I’m in. If I’m looking for easy, I’ll pick up books that I know fit the ‘Christian sweet spot’ as you say and read them because I know the outcome (boy meets girls, falls in love, boy is a doofus and loses girl, works out he loves her and gets her back!) I love those books, but I equally love the books that tackle real life.
The first Christian book I read that tackled hard issues was Hallee Bridgeman’s The Jewell Anthology and that tackled abuse, sex, alcoholism etc in a great way. It encouraged me to look for other Christian books that tackle hard issues without giving all the detail but with respect and dignity.
Hi Leila, I do find the predictability of the genre conventions comforting when I’m looking for a specific type of read. If I pick up a suspense or thriller, I’m looking for a fast paced, high octane, wild ride of a story. If a story breaks the genre expectations eg. if a book categorised as contemporary romance has the romance resolved by the middle of the story, I’ll feel cranky and ripped off. But, if that same story was categorised as contemporary fiction with romantic elements, I wouldn’t care when the romance wrapped up as long as the main story plot still had steam to run through to the end. Thanks for commenting. 😊