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suspensewriter

suspensewriter

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How can you weave Christian themes into your story without being preachy?

 
suspensewriter said:
How can you weave Christian themes into your story without being preachy?
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This is a  complex question that I'm always trying to address in my writing, because I don't want to be a Christian writer who ends up writing Christian literature.

My writing credo comes from CS Lewis: “The world does not need more Christian literature. What it needs is more Christians writing good literature.” 

I unexpectedly came across an example recently while watching the movie "Spider-Man: No Way Home." I'm not sure where the director & writers of this movie stand in their personal lives, but the themes of redemption and forgiveness were very strong - and I think very well done. It also did it in a way that was debatable, but at the same time showed the power of redemptive change, and the struggle to forgive. It's something that doubtless left audiences thinking about (in one way or another) after the movie was done. That's a goal that I strive for.

One could argue that this example was too light-handed, as there was no mention of Jesus or His salvation. But to CS Lewis's point, if presented with the standard in-your-face preaching, the Gospel wouldn't resonate nearly as strong. Jesus Himself often spoke in parables to more effectively connect with those around Him. I think that's a formula we need to study and build on.

 
You need to ask J. R. Tolkien, C.S. Lewis, J. K. Rowling and maybe George Lucas (although his is debatable by some and may have been unintentional) for starters. Otherwise I don't have a clue. Sorry

 
If you’re writing what’s true (true to life in this world, true to human nature, true to God’s grace) and doing it well, then you’ll never sound “preachy” and you’ll never have to force a “Christian” or “Biblical” theme into a story where it doesn’t fit.

In other words, the themes will be there, like it or not, as they are in all great stories, regardless of the source.

 
I agree with Zee. The whole reason I shelved the original manuscript that my current book is based on is because it was too churchy. It was full of Christianese and language that may be understood by believers and those who go to church, but was not relatable to the average person who may or may not believe. 

The focus of my book now is to tell the stories of the main two characters and of the people within their circles of influence. Regardless of whether their lives involve practices of faith or they are actually against the church and what it stands for, if your characters are realistic and authentic, it doesn't mean that it will sound preachy to the reader. It's when the reader feels you are intentionally trying to convince them or elicit them to think about faith, religion or God that it would sound preachy. In my experience, I find most people respect people of faith as long as that person is not trying to shove their beliefs down their throats.

Christian literature should be about planting seeds, the Holy Spirit is the one that does the work of convicting them of sin and drawing them to God.

 
Great question. The way I’m doing it my latest project is by having a Christian character and interacting with others around her. She doesn’t preach, but shares her viewpoint of things. Despite her faith she struggles but remains hopeful in life.

Have you seen the Firefly series? There was a character named Shepard who shared Christian values at times. I thought it was cool the creators did so and did not do it heavy handed. 

 
suspensewriter said:
How can you weave Christian themes into your story without being preachy?
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You've seen how I do it–I just tell a story where Christians act as Christians do, bad and good, and let people draw their own conclusions. (I like to write from the non-Christian (normal person) perspective where there's a Christian character doing what they do. I've always thought The Golden Rule was the best life advice I've ever received, and always like to put myself in the other guy's shoes. I think it's especially powerful in fiction.)

 
Zee said:
If you’re writing what’s true (true to life in this world, true to human nature, true to God’s grace) and doing it well, then you’ll never sound “preachy” and you’ll never have to force a “Christian” or “Biblical” theme into a story where it doesn’t fit.
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That's so true, Zee!

 
I simply write in what I think is appropriate for the story and show how prayer and belief in God can help in a person's life; how it can take a negative and hurtful life experience and turn it into something wonderful and good.

 
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