I love researching and recently looked into Harlequin's Love Inspired line's submission guidelines to find out if there were certain parameters in the stories they accept and publish. One of the lines that stood out to me was: "Mandatory faith element that is integral to story and shows rather than tells, avoiding didactic, preachy tone or doctrinal language."
This had me thinking about one of the cinematic attributes I've heard over the years between British and American movies and television, where one tends to show the story and have people reason it out, whereas the other can get into further detail, eliminating the need to piece things out as much when watching a story. I wish I could find the source for this thought as it's shaped how I view and compare a lot of mysteries and dramas (I confess that I may be a tad too shy for British comedies)—broadly speaking, of course.
As a result, I can understand how didactic language isn't always pleasant to sit through and can lead to a lot of agenda-driven books where there is a great moral lesson to be learnt (Fordyce's Sermons, anyone?). In reading some of the popular fiction over the years, I've noticed when the lesson supersedes the story as all of a sudden, there is some grand cause that must be avenged and everyone must pay heed, etc. It can make the reading experience a little regretful if it's an agenda that is either unexpected and thus, blindsiding, or one that I don't agree with as a reader.
Yet, this idea of showing versus telling in Christian fiction has me thinking the opposite way. I realize that while no one appreciates a preachy tone, namely if it's accompanied with an air of superiority, it can be difficult to share the Gospel if there are no words. I'm sure that most Christians are aware of the oft-quoted St. Francis of Assisi, credited with the famous saying of, "Preach the Gospel at all times. Use words if necessary."
I heard this phrase much later in my Christian walk, and to be honest, it hasn't shaped how I live the Christian life, as I've aimed to let the Bible guide my thinking and actions instead. There's a great FactChecker article* that does further elaborate on this thought, providing a good counterargument from Duane Liftin, president emeritus of Wheaton College, where he states:
It’s simply impossible to preach the Gospel without words. The Gospel is inherently verbal, and preaching the Gospel is inherently verbal behavior.
I appreciate how explicit this statement is and how it points to The Word being essential to our faith, as written in John 1:1 where, "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." Personally, I never would have come to a saving faith in Jesus Christ if I never did hear the words that accompanied the Gospel.
In terms of reading material, I can see how showing versus telling is a grey area where editing styles and reading preferences likely play a role. Not everyone wants to read a literal sermon when reading a story; that's where Christian non-fiction books and Christian allegories may shine best. However, for Christian fiction where there is some element of entertainment, I've noticed how much I've come to enjoy and even relish scenes that may border more on the didactic side. I do find that there are still powerful stories to be told based on people's actions if they are God-honouring; however, if I had to pick a book that only showed the Gospel versus telling it, I'd likely go for a book that tells the Gospel more clearly so that there are no assumptions and no confusion.
Words matter so much and if authors are taking the time to carefully craft them into something exquisite, I would rather read about the Gospel explicitly than have it presented implicitly. There is a beauty in pulling together teachings about God in such a way that readers don't have to be hit with an anvil each time, but I would prefer to be sharpened by other Christians when possible (Proverbs 27:17) as those are often the words that leave a lasting impression on me after a story.
Though I can see why Harlequin takes the stance it does in receiving manuscripts as they sell to broad markets, I am thankful that I've been able to discover so many independently-published books where authors can use more doctrinal language and convey longer thoughts on their pages. What are your preferences when it comes to reading more didactic scenes?
*Please note that I'm not providing a blanket endorsement of TGC and Focus on the Family by linking to this article as I am only referencing what I find to be a helpful resource.
This was such a refreshing read! As a new Christian author, I often see people referring to “preachy” books in a negative light, and to be honest, I’m still trying to fully understand what they mean. From what I gather, it seems to describe books where the Gospel is told clearly rather than shown subtly.
ReplyDeleteI can’t confidently claim that my books aren’t preachy, because I personally appreciate didactic elements in stories. There’s always a message I want to convey as an author—one of encouragement and hope through my characters. I aim for my characters to inspire readers in their faith journeys, and that might come across as “preachy” to some.
While the term hasn’t been used to describe my books yet, if it ever is, it will be a fair sentiment. If a reader feels the Gospel shines through my stories too plainly, then I’ll embrace it—because that’s exactly the kind of clarity I’m going for.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts! It's definitely a fine line to balance, so I can respect what authors have to work through in crafting their story and message. I love that you hope to inspire readers, and I pray you can continue to do that!
DeleteI'm of the mindset that if humans were that great at figuring things out, we wouldn't have needed the Old Testament and the Law and Prophets, but we aren't, so we had to be told through all of that, plus the Gospels and Epistles, to understand who Jesus is, why He came, and how we are to live life as a result, so every bit of 'plainness' helps! 😊
I love this. This is why I'm against the removal of Christian Fiction as a genre. I've had discussions with authors who think we've done ourselves a disservice when we turned CF into a genre, when it could've just been mainstream, but I like that we have CF. I like that I can pick up a CF book and read about characters who talk about God like He's a part of their normal everyday life and conversations. This is Christian life. And I completely agree that words have power and the ability to transform. After all, the Creator Himself started with words: "Let there be light!"
ReplyDeleteIt's honestly so refreshing to find someone who doesn't mind seeing more "preachy" scenes in books. I'm finding that I'm the same, and I truly appreciate it when it's done right. I recently beta read a book for Milla Holt for her Small Town Harmony series, and there was just this point in the manuscript where the character goes for counseling and Milla explicitly writes down the counsel given and I'm like, "Yes! Yes please! More."
I'm realizing that those of us who love Truth, love finding it wherever we can. :)
Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts! I agree that it's nice to have fiction that specifically caters to those who want the Gospel to be explicit within its pages. It can be tiring trying to couch Christian concepts into ones that the world may find more palatable, but just because we're in the world doesn't mean we have to be of it :)
DeleteI love that there is an appetite for Christians to read books that reflect their lives. You're right that it's natural for Christians to have spiritual conversations with family members, friends, and church members on a regular basis, so I love getting to read scenes like this! Carolyn Miller does an amazing job of embedding Bible studies and prayer into her characters' lives because it's who they are, and I love that you do the same.
That's wonderful about Milla Holt; I'll have to check out her books. Thank you for your recommendation! I love that God brings truth-bearers and truth-tellers together through His Word and through the rich imaginations of Christian authors who seek to tell His story. What a gift and blessing to the church and world!