The Evolution (or Devolution) of Christian Fiction

Chuck Colson has some interesting things to say about the state of Christian-ized fiction:

For years, most Christian authors wrote only to an audience that was familiar with a certain brand of Christian terminology. At the same time, these authors were so caught up in trying to spread the message of Christ through their work that their novels sounded like propaganda. They clearly considered things like plot and characterization unimportant. The unfortunate result was a rash of novels designed to push the Christian message to an unbelieving world, but written in a way that ended up turning off unbelievers.

What a difference we’re seeing now! Many of the best Christian novels being published these days, such as Gilead, Abide with Me, and Leif Enger’s wonderful Peace Like a River, are rich in plot and characterization as well as faith. These books are about good but flawed people struggling through tough situations, just like many of us do. God’s grace is a real and powerful presence in these books, yet it’s not some kind of magic medicine automatically making everything all better.

Modern-Day Renaissance by Chuck Colson