That’s a kinda serious sounding title, but I was feeling rather introspective today.
You see, I recently purchased this awesome shirt from Jenna Terese’s new Redbubble collection (Here’s a link to her blog, go check her out!) The shirt features this quote:
The world does not need more Christian literature. What it needs is more Christians writing good literature.
-C.S. Lewis
This quote is one that I often go back to when thinking about how to incorporate my faith into my writing. And it’s a quote that really speaks about fiction’s place in the advancement of the Gospel.
I’ve always interpreted this quote to mean that there are many places that a seeking soul can go when they are looking into Christianity. The Bible itself, a Christian friend or family member, the many devotionals and resources available online. However, when it comes to people who aren’t interested in Christianity, preachy fiction isn’t going to get very far.
That is not to say that there isn’t a place for devotionals and Christian literature in this world, there certainly is. It’s just more likely to appeal to an exclusively Christian market than a secular one.
A good story that is written by a Christian has the potential to inspire people who would never think to pick up a “Christian book”. Incorporating themes of hope, forgiveness and redemption into a story can deeply resonate with people and speak truth into their life.
I often think about how to showcase my faith in my writing ‘properly’ (even though there’s no finite way to define that). I ask myself if I’m doing enough, or if I’m doing so much that I’m limiting my potential audience. What is the line I want to walk? I don’t want to put a book into the world if I haven’t really considered the possible impact it can have.
However, recent study and pondering has led me to my personal response to those questions.
My small group at my church has been discussing the impact that lies have on our lives. If we believe the lies that Satan, or other people, tell us then it leads us to sin. Me being me, this topic of conversation got me thinking about character arcs.
A common formula for positive character arcs (often illustrated by Abbie Emmons on her amazing YouTube Channel) is this:
- Step 1: Character believes a lie.
- Step 2: Character makes misguided decisions based on that lie.
- Step 3: Character causes harm to themself and/or others based on those misguided actions.
- Step 4: Character realizes the truth and goes forth to defeat the main conflict as a better person.
The reason this formula works is because it’s the basis for positive change in real life as well. Our bad decisions, our sin, is based on lies that we choose to believe. Lies are our way of trying to justify our sin. And its exactly what characters are doing in books, movies and TV shows everywhere.
So what are we, and our characters, supposed to do about it? The Bible tells us to speak truth against lies.
Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ
Ephesians 4:15 ESV
And so, through writing a positive character arc I can speak truth. Writers have the opportunity to meet people in their dark places and offer them an alternative. Stories have the the potential to inspire. To help people become more like Christ.
If every story I write helps even one person to recognize a lie in their life and turn towards the truth, I’m so content with that. If that positive change can inspire them to look into Christianity, even better. And in my normal life, I try to do the same thing: speak truth.
That’s the line I choose to walk. It’s my goal with my writing, and my everyday life. I’m not saying everyone should write like this, we all have different goals, write towards different audiences, and should therefore walk different lines. But, personally, I’m gonna go forth and try to be a good Christian that writes good literature.
Thanks, C.S. Lewis.
That was my two cents. What do you think? I know this post is pretty different than my usual style, but its also something I felt needed to be said. Did you enjoy this more introspective post style? Where do you draw your lines? Is this something you think about at all? Let me know in the comments section!
Until next time,
Polka Dot Pens 