All the Cheese

I've been coming across content within the past several weeks that has stereotyped Christian books (and other mediums) as being cheesy on Christian accounts. While this isn't a new label or even a new topic, what has surprised me somewhat has been seeing more Christian authors jump into this conversation who wholeheartedly agree with this sentiment. Although some authors will name others whom they believe are writing non-cheesy fiction, I feel as though the damage has been done by repeating this blanket statement.

While readers have freely been engaging in this type of commentary for some time, it's been interesting to see authors chime in, where in some cases, there seems to be an emphasis on self-promotion over reflection. I'm not stereotyping and saying that all authors or even the authors I'm connected to respond with this tactic (because I really don't think they do!), but there are a few out there from my limited experience who seem to respond to this discussion by stating the following: 1) I agree! 2) But I'm not like that. 3) Buy my books (or my friend's) books!

If the comments happen to be a little expanded, then I have observed additional thoughts, which I'll share below and which can be taken with a grain of salt. Please note that to me, cheese as a style is different than cheese as an issue with quality. If things are done poorly, that has to do with the lack of excellence and should not be deemed cheesy.

Everything Else is Cheesy

The most common expression I've seen floating around has been to the effect of the author feeling like everything they've experienced in Christian fiction has been cheesy, which is why they've decided to write their own books as a way to combat that. I can understand the desire for authors to add their own voices, but it's a little troubling that there is an insinuation of insulting or putting down other authors by calling existing works cheesy. Why not say that you've read a lot of Christian fiction and wanted to see your particular perspective reflected instead? Why does everything else have to be branded as cheesy or terrible just because it might not appeal to you? What type of message does this send to those who do enjoy these types of books or authors?

As a reader, it makes me a little less likely to pick up books from authors who don't see other authors' hearts for writing what they write and extending kindness and grace to them despite a difference in taste. Are Christian authors who supposedly write cheesy material beyond redemption that they have to be classified as inferior? As an observer to these conversations, I can see how hurtful that position is to other Christian authors; perhaps using caution before making such generic statements is more fruitful when promoting Christian books that are supposedly not cheesy.

Misquoting C.S. Lewis

The other sentiment I've seen Christian authors use is quoting C.S. Lewis to explain why they choose not to write Christian fiction as a result. This is what is often quoted: "The world does not need more Christian literature. What it needs is more Christians writing good literature." Unfortunately, this quote is actually a "poor paraphrase" of the original statement on Christian Apologetics from God in the Dock: "What we want is not more little books about Christianity, but more little books by Christians on other subjects – with their Christianity latent." (Source: Essential C.S. Lewis)

In summary, the quote references a call for Christians to write well in more subjects than only in Christianity, which is a little different than saying the world wouldn't benefit from Christian literature or fiction. Additionally, Lewis exhorts authors to keep their faith intact while writing on other subjects. Yes, some authors may feel called to write about Christianity more covertly rather than overtly, but it shouldn't be an excuse to leave faith at the door.

Mob Mentality

Online comments aren't exactly a mob, but groupthink isn't as catchy 😄 One of the reasons I don't contribute to these conversations is that people are likely set in their thoughts, and since I don't have a relationship with 99-100% of the people jumping into these discussions, I am in no place to convince anyone of anything (and not that I am looking to, either). However, I will say that from the outside looking in, I can see how quickly people can caught up in the emotions of whatever is being shared, even if it's just a 💯 as a response. It's easy to veer toward outrage or disgust or dismissal, especially if others are doing the same thing. To be the one lone voice that is divergent from the rest of the group is not for the faint of heart on social media.

As a result, chiming in on content that is meant to shock fuels the emotions already being stirred. I feel like this is why trends come and go so quickly, along with the employment of words that push the boundaries in order to get people to stop scrolling. It's not a surprise that as of writing this particular piece, one of the main trends going around is what "propaganda" people are falling for or not falling for. This is a strong word meant to elicit strong feelings, so I've been careful about participating in things that may not have the space for longer forms of expression. Even a blog is an imperfect platform as interaction is not face-to-face and can be misunderstood or misconstrued. Plus, it's really just hyperbole for opinions, so let's not get too carried away; propaganda is much more serious business and I intend to leave it as such.

Cheesy Not Sinful

Although I've written what might come across as an indictment for certain authors (it's not and shouldn't be read as one), I actually want to give the benefit of the doubt to those posting a quick thought about how Christian fiction is cheesy because at the end of the day, cheese is not the worst accusation. I only share these thoughts because it's a slippery slope where an offhand comment may reflect or lead to disdain or scorn for the legacy of Christian publishing. Have some Christian fiction books that have been published been harmful to the body of believers over time? Certainly. This also happens with Christian non-fiction, so no book is exempt. However, it doesn't mean that the industry as a whole needs to cease existing or drastically change.

There is always an audience for what is published, and I believe this is where we need to exercise liberty. I've learnt that if something isn't my taste, I can move on. I may share select thoughts if I feel it may at all be beneficial, but most of the time, I prefer to direct my energy toward what is good and edifying. If something is heretical and damaging to the gospel of Christ, that is a much different concern altogether. Yet, if we're only looking at cheese, cheese is not a sin in itself. It might not be someone's style or preference, but there's no need to castigate other books for simply being published.

Author Presence

While some bookstores may only carry "cliché" books or authors, the opportunity to be exposed to so many Christian fiction authors is unprecedented for readers now. What a wonderful blessing! Rather than placing the blame for cheesy fiction on other authors, why not take the onus to focus on marketing in a positive way that generates excitement and passion for readers instead of dwelling on the perceived faults of others? Doing so ensures that the right audience will be matched with the books that most appeal to them.

I love it when authors celebrate their unique calling to tell stories, because I know how much heart and effort goes into what they've written. It's not to say authors can't ever share their opinions online, but there is an impact on readers when that may be their first, only, or constant exposure to an author and it consists of what could be interpreted as denigrating remarks. There has been some talk about what constitutes safe or accountable spaces for readers without author interference (while acknowledging that authors are also readers), but alas, there are no definite standards. It may be a situation where wisdom needs to be practiced lest readers start getting the impression that authors are coming across in a spirit of arrogance or superiority when this is likely not the case at all―which I desperately want to believe for Christian authors. Being inclined to what makes your books stand out is always a better strategy than pointing out why other books don't or shouldn't 😊

The Body

1 Corinthians 12:15-20 says it best: "Now if the foot should say, 'Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,' it would not for that reason stop being part of the body. And if the ear should say, 'Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body,' it would not for that reason stop being part of the body. If the whole body were an eye, where would the sense of hearing be? If the whole body were an ear, where would the sense of smell be? But in fact God has placed the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be. If they were all one part, where would the body be? As it is, there are many parts, but one body."

Wouldn't it be boring if the only Christian fiction available was what others deemed to be non-cheesy, which in itself is a subjective judgment? Personally, I like so many types of Christian fiction, including what others might call cheesy. Will I let these opinions change my reading habits? No, because I'm interested in looking beyond labels and stereotypes, and even book covers and tropes. I've had so many impactful experiences with Christian fiction from a variety of gifted authors, and I want to celebrate Christian authors as a whole. It doesn't mean I'll love every single book or author I come across, but you won't find me calling Christian fiction cheesy.

Cheese, Please

In conclusion, I want to end by saying that I want all the cheese (metaphorically).

Is it cheesy to have books that are slightly preachy? Maybe, but I love seeing that appear in Christian books, because where else would we find such messages that can have an eternal impact?

Is it cheesy to have a lot of Christian fiction focus on romance? Maybe for some people, but I love that romance can point us back to the best love story of all.

Is it cheesy to have characters that seem too goody-goody two-shoes? Again, maybe for some, but I love reading about characters who strive toward godliness and aren't just defined by their circumstances. Yes, realism and grit have their place, but Christians don't need to be mired in it either just to avoid the cheese.

As with the many types of cheese out there, I'm going to enjoy my time with each one and embrace it. Now, to find an account that matches Christian fiction with actual cheese that I can eat.... 🧀