Welcome to Tuesday Book Chat. This is where we encourage book lovers to answer our bookish question of the week.
Today’s question is:
What’s your view of characters drinking alcohol in Christian fiction?
We look forward to hearing your thoughts. Please join in the conversation by commenting on this post or on the blog post shared in our Australasian Christian Writers Facebook Group.
Let’s chat!
Personally I would prefer not to read about drinking in CF. In saying this there are times it fits in with the story. Growing up without drinking and in a conservative church where we don’t drink I don’t see the need. I also had an alcoholic grandfather who while not violent use to lose his money as others took advantage. Because of this mum’s family often did without and without her mother going out to get some work and an elder brother they would have lived almost nothing. The family also tried to hide this side of him to others.
I know some cultured they have a wine with dinner and that is fine but I don’t seeing characters getting drunk or being portrayed as if that’s the normal things people do.
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Your turn.
I look forward to reading your comments here or at the FB group. Remember all comments go into the monthly drawer for a gift voucher.
This is a pertinent question, Jenny, and I know it’s also a topic well aired. Christian fiction as a whole needs to be edifying, if not throughout, then by its conclusion, so that the hero of the story has grown and has hopefully seeded some hope for others. If he starts out as a lost soul, then slowly comes to redemption as it nears its conclusion, then to me, this is inspirational and helpful, because not all of us have been so lucky to live in households without what so often becomes a vice, bringing in its ugly henchmen along with it.
We live in a world of shadows and sunshine, but it is in finding strength through the darkness that helps us to appreciate the light.
In my upcoming Rhiza Edge YA novel, I explore the generational damage of alcoholism and domestic violence. While these are difficult topics, I have tried to deal with them sensitively and with forgiveness and redemption in WISH ME GONE. At face value it is a feel good work with some very memorable characters, humour and love. I hope that in opening the cork on these issues it gives people pause for thought in their own lives and those of others.
I believe that all of us in Christian fiction want to enable everyone to find faith, in themselves, in the world around them and ultimately in God, and to me this was a poignant, beautiful and unforgettable way to do it. I really look forward to the views of other writers and readers in Christians in the community’s thoughts on this in WISH ME GONE.
Thank you for the post, Jenny. This one is close to my heart. ♥️
Thanks for sharing. I think there are places for books that show the dangers and what can happen because most of the time excess drinking leads to different issues. I think the main thing is not to glorify drinking as for some people a social drink is fine but there are people one drink can cause issues and we have to be mindful of this. (Don’t forget to send the details of your new release when its coming out to me) (PS the questions are set at the beginning of the year and although I did see then in Dec I often don’t know whats coming up till I put them up)
Hi Jenny. I don’t like excessive drinking, drunkenness or regular alcohol use as being seen as normal or “everybody does it” in CF. Some people have a drink now and then and it doesn’t have a hold on them and doesn’t impact their life or their relationship with God at all and I think that’s okay. If it is used as a cautionary tale, that’s fine, also. Anything apart from that is potentially dangerous, I think.
Thanks for stopping by Susan, I fully agree with you. Part of my thinking comes from the verse that talks about stumbling blocks. A friend said it well he is ok with a drink now and then but if his new Christian friend has an issue with drinking, sees him drinking it could cause him to stumble so he would rather abstain. Another friend was a insurance broker and often they would be out of town in a group. He made sure he ordered first at the pub a lemon squash as it then gave others who would otherwise feel pressured to drink and felt they couldn’t say no a way out and most times everyone would follow suit. Books with drinking showing the down side are good if there is a reason for the behavour and a resolution to it. Drinking like swearing for the sake of it is not needed and will likely lose you readers.
Excellent points, Jenny. Thank you.
I prefer not to see it at all – even a casual drink with dinner. Part of that is my conservative up-bringing. I also just don’t think it is necessary.
I agree also.
Fair enough, Beth. So many people have an unhealthy relationship with alcohol and drinking is so often glamorised and made to look “cool”.