Sorry if this is in the wrong forum or if there was already a thread on this (I looked, but found none), but I didn't want to derail the Trinity thread, so...



Hmm... So what do you think qualifies a book as Christian? Does it have to reference God, promote Christian values, not have any alternate world where basic theology is different, or...? And do you mark a difference between explicitly Christian fiction and implicitly Christian fiction? I have my view on what constitutes Christian fiction, but I'll wait for you to give yours. And if anyone else wants to jump in with their thoughts, please go on ahead.

I don't think you can really classify any book or set of book as "Christian." There are books written by Christians, there are books about Christians, and there are books that Christians will read, but there technically aren't Christian books. The reason is simple. Where was the word Christian first coined, and what was its meaning? It describes someone as a follower of Christ. Thus a book cannot, in those terms, be "Christian."

However, I believe there are elements of books that set them apart from secular literature. Even non-Christian writers can promote Chrisitan values, as those values are for the most part what undergird our societal beliefs of morality (even though they won't admit it). Using a God would make people draw the connection to Christianity, but a lot of books use some concept of a divine being while being secular books. I'm specifically thinking of Philip Pullman's His Dark Materials, which I haven't read but have heard the general storyline of.

Implied truths don't necessarily make the reader see what you're getting at, so I think it depends on each individual point of view. Christians would obviously pick up on such themes, even if they weren't explicitly stated, while unbelievers probably wouldn't. Look at LOTR as an example. Explicit use of Christian themes, especially set in our modern world where we don't create new names to designate believers, presents a more obvious idea of what the author is saying. People might see them as more influenced by Christianity because it's stated plainly, but that doesn't change the story's essence at the base level, only someone's perception of it.

My stance on the subject is reflected by this article, written to serve as a guide for the HW website.

This is a good article you linked to, and almost the answer to the question I had, though I do have something to add to it.

To be considered 'Christian' or in other words 'God honoring or glorifying' I don't think there can be certain things in the novel. For instance, sin that's portrayed as acceptable, whatever that sin may be. This is one reason I have a problem with books like Lord of the Rings being portrayed as 'Christian' in nature or view, because while Gandalf is good, yes, he still uses magic, which is a sin, and that makes it look like magic, if used in a good way is acceptable. Now don't get me wrong, I'm not bashing on LOTR, but I don't think it's a godly novel in nature even if it portrays many biblical morals or principles, because it's still glorifying sin.

I think the Warrior Bard began a really good discussion on that issue here. I ended up agreeing with him mostly.

*Nods* That is how I would feel as well, JTO. I do read LOTR, and I have always loved the books. However I do struggle with some aspects, I wouldn't refuse to read the books because of it, but I do understand where my parents come from with not reading it. It does portray magic in a good light, there is a good wizard, and aspect like that I find dubious.

I think it is very hard though to certify something as 'Christian' due to content, partly because so many Christians have differing views; one could find something acceptable, whilst another would balk at content others may not mind.



That is a really good post on the subject!