There was a time early in my faith experience when it appeared that the stories of the world would have to be forgotten. Certain teachers suggested that so-called Christian fiction, or any other kind of fiction, was a sad distraction for our leisure hours. Better to concentrate on biographies of the heroes of the faith and good Bible exposition.
Heeding the suggestion, I considered the lives of the likes of David Livingstone, William Carey, George Whitefield, Robert Moffat, Mary Slessor, D.L.Moody, Charles G. Finney, Charles Cowman, Hudson Taylor, John G. Lake, Watchman Nee, Oswald Chambers and others. All of this was exciting and inspiring.
Older now, I am moved to consider the human condition in all manner of stories (excepting of course those which cross the line in immorality, violence or bigotry). Fiction on the page or on film will enlarge our range of experience and insight for presentation of the Gospel and for help to our neighbours, churched or unchurched.
As proponents of the “emerging church” suggest there is great power in the story, as there was great power in the parables of the Lord.
Christian writers of the past included George MacDonald, Ralph Connor, George Eliot and Fyodor Dostoevsky. Today one might take a look at some of the titles of John Grisham:
The Street Lawyer – Ivory tower attorney joins a poverty law clinic where the Gospel is given flesh and bones for the poor of Washington, D.C.
The Testament – Alcoholic attorney is assigned to track down a missionary heiress in the Brazilian jungle, and has a salvation experience in the process.
The Last Juror – Small town journalist covering the local scandal gets samplings of southern faith with baked treats on a neighbourhood matron’s front porch.
The King of Torts – The folly of riches hastily gained is examined in the fury of class actions.
The Appeal – The religious right as a political force is used in the election of a judge meant to be a pawn for big business.
Surprised? Give them a try.
