Christian fiction holds a unique place in the literary world, providing readers with captivating stories that explore faith, values, and spiritual growth. Weaving the Word into the story is essential in Christian fiction. This is different from a story that is simply Christian-friendly (a story that will not have words or themes that are contrary to Christian values). There are many secular stories that I will allow my kids to read because they are Christian-friendly.
Christian fiction is different from its secular counterpart. At the core of Christian fiction lies a beautiful opportunity to incorporate biblical scripture, infusing narratives with timeless wisdom and powerful truths. In this blog post, we will delve into the art of using biblical scripture in Christian fiction and explore how it can enhance the overall impact of the story.
Key Points in This Article
Understanding Biblical Scripture
Purpose of Using Scripture in Christian Fiction
Selecting Appropriate Scripture
Integrating Scripture into the Story
Balancing Scripture and Storytelling
Handling Difficult or Controversial Scripture
Engaging Readers with Scripture
Understanding Biblical Scripture:
Before we embark on incorporating scripture into our Christian fiction, it is essential to understand the authority and inspiration of the Bible. Recognizing the various translations and versions available, along with the significance of context in interpreting scripture, ensures we handle God’s Word with reverence and accuracy.
To this end, we should be studying multiple translations and commentators in order to get a broad perspective on the context and interpretation of scripture. This should also be done in reflective prayer, seeking the discernment of the Holy Spirit. Whenever God gives an understanding of scripture, this trumps all biblical scholars and commentators.
Purpose of Using Scripture in Christian Fiction:
The integration of biblical scripture serves multiple purposes in Christian fiction. Firstly, it enriches the message and themes of the story, illuminating the underlying spiritual truths. Secondly, it adds depth and authenticity to characters and dialogue, bringing their faith journeys to life. Lastly, scripture encourages readers to explore the Bible themselves, fostering a deeper connection with God’s Word.
The goal of Christian fiction is not only to entertain but also to spread a Christian message. Pop culture certainly is inundated with its share of non-Christian messages. Every form of sin is celebrated in some form or another in secular entertainment. Scripture is our only defense against this. By incorporating the scriptures into our stories, we can get the message out to a much broader audience. The Left Behind series by Tim LaHaye and Jerry Jenkins, widely considered to be one of the most successful Christian fiction stories in history, crossed the religiopolitical divide and reached millions of non-Christians. These were people who may not have heard the message otherwise.
Selecting Appropriate Scripture:
Careful selection of scripture is vital to ensure its seamless integration into the story. Identifying relevant themes and messages helps us choose verses that align with the story’s purpose. Considering the target audience and genre ensures that the scripture resonates with readers. Additionally, maintaining consistency with the story’s context and plot helps us avoid the forced or contrived inclusion of scripture.
Integrating Scripture into the Story:
There are various ways to incorporate scripture into our Christian fiction. One approach is using scripture in character development, allowing the Word of God to shape and guide the growth of our fictional personas. Another method involves integrating scripture into dialogue and conversations, creating meaningful exchanges that reflect real-life faith discussions. Lastly, we can infuse scripture into narrative descriptions, evoking powerful imagery and emphasizing spiritual truths.
Balancing Scripture and Storytelling:
Maintaining a delicate balance between scripture and storytelling is crucial in Christian fiction. While scripture adds depth and significance, it should enhance the story rather than overpower it. As authors, we can let scripture guide the plot and character arcs, ensuring they align with biblical principles. By achieving this balance, we can create engaging narratives that both entertain and edify readers.
Handling Difficult or Controversial Scripture:
Incorporating scripture may sometimes involve addressing challenging topics. When encountering difficult or controversial scripture, it is essential to seek guidance and understanding from trusted sources. Addressing such topics with sensitivity and grace allows us to approach them in a way that respects readers’ diverse perspectives. Providing additional resources or explanations can further support readers in navigating these complex issues.
On the other hand, we also cannot allow those perspectives to dictate how we use the Word in the story. The Word is the Word, and it says what it says. It is not up to us to edit God to suit someone’s sensibilities. We can be kind and compassionate about how our story makes others feel, but we must also be faithful to the message we are trying to convey. This isn’t just fiction; it is Christian fiction. That brings with it a responsibility to correctly represent the Lord in a way that is grounded in the Bible. He said, “I am the Way, the TRUTH, and the light.” If that message isn’t coming through to your reader, then this is the wrong genre for you.
Engaging Readers with Scripture:
Christian fiction has the power to ignite curiosity and inspire readers to explore the Bible further. As authors, we can include study questions or reflections based on the scripture used, encouraging readers to delve deeper into the spiritual truths presented in the story. Engaging with readers through author’s notes or discussions on scripture choices fosters a sense of community and shared exploration.
Conclusion:
Biblical scripture holds a transformative power that can elevate the impact of Christian fiction. By incorporating scripture thoughtfully and intentionally, we can infuse our stories with timeless wisdom and guide readers on spiritual journeys. As Christian fiction authors, let us embrace the opportunity to create narratives that entertain, inspire, and encourage readers to seek a deeper understanding of God’s Word. Through the marriage of scripture and storytelling, we can illuminate truths that touch hearts and transform lives.
If you would like an example of weaving the Word into a story, there are many books published in the genre, or you can read one or my short stories here.