Christian writers can, I think, be divided up into two different broad groups: the explicit Christian writers who frankly and openly write about their faith (whether in Christian non-fiction or Christian fiction) and allegorical Christian writers whose faith impacts and influences what they write and how. Both of these different kinds of writers are vital to the writing world, and not one is better or more valuable than the other. In some ways they will be different, but there is one way where they should stay exactly the same.
The Explicit Christian Writer: The explicit Christian writer writes either Christian non-fiction (like Timothy Keller’s The Freedom of Self-Forgetfulness and C. S. Lewis’ Mere Christianity) or Christian fiction (like Jerry B. Jenkins’ Left Behind series and Frank Peretti’s thrillers). Explicit Christian writers tell the reader outright about Jesus Christ, Christianity, and the gospel, and that’s important. Explicitly Christian writers are not going to reach as many unbelievers as allegorical Christian writers usually will. Of course, there are always exceptions. But most unbelievers aren’t going to be seeking out books they know are written by Christians. They’ll be afraid of being preached at, and they don’t want to read about a religion they don’t believe in.
Explicit Christian books are extremely important for Christians and for non-Christians both. They teach us and lead us in our faith. Explicitly Christian books are necessary and we need them.
The Allegorical Christian Writer: The allegorical Christian writer writes allegorical fiction (like C. S. Lewis’ Chronicles of Narnia or S. D. Smith's Green Ember series). The allegorical Christian writer seeks to use their worldview to shape the message and the heart of their writing, and instead of telling the reader what they believe they show them using a story. Allegorical Christian writers reach non-Christians more easily and show them what they believe. Allegorical fictional stories can be very powerful and can impact people in big ways. They may not tell people the truth as plainly as a non-fiction or explicitly Christian book, but they can be a tool in helping a non-believer see the beauty of the truth and prepare them for hearing truth in the future. Allegorical stories are often memorable. For example, The Lord of the Rings, Chronicles of Narnia, and The Pilgrim’s Progress are some of the bestselling books of all time.
Allegorical Christian books are important for everyone, just like explicit Christian books are. They are necessary. We need them.
Where These Writers Should Be the Same: Even though these different writers may have different approaches to writing and how they express their faith, off the page they should be standing firm in what they believe. As Christians we should be a light to the world in any situation and field.
We need Explicit Christian writers and allegorical Christian writers.
Which one are you? In which area does God want to use your writing?
I think I'm more in the explicit group but a little bit in the allegorical group as well. This blog post is so helpful because everyone is so different but everyone's perspective is so needed! Thank you, E.G Runyan!
I find myself in both categories. But mot often in the allegorical group. I love stories that gently push me towards the goal of becoming a stronger Christian.