Christian novel
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A Christian novel is a Christian literary novel which features Christian media genre conventions.[1]
The tradition of Christian fiction
Christian novels are works of imaginative literature drawing on Christian themes, theology, and social norms. The European Christian literary tradition dates back centuries, and draws on past
Many novels with Christian themes also fall into specific mainstream fiction genres. For example,
Modern American Christian novels
In the last few centuries the existence of a conservative Christian subculture, particularly in North America, has given rise to a specific genre of Christian novel. Books such as
In North America, the Christian novel has evolved into a specific genre of its own, written explicitly by and for Christians of a particular type. Such a Christian novel does not have to involve an actual event or character in
Other authors of Christian novels include Karen Kingsbury, Judith McCoy Miller, Kristena Mears, Tracie Peterson, Bethany Kennedy Scanlon, Tosca Lee and Robert Whitlow. Some authors of Christian novels have received a mixed reception within the conservative Christian community. William P. Young's best-selling theological novel The Shack, for example, was strongly criticised by some reviewers.[4][5]
Deborah Bryan of the Kansas Library Association suggests that this genre of books typically promotes values, teaches a lesson, always has a happy ending (good prevails over evil in all books), adheres to a decency code (certain boundaries such as sexuality, strong language, and topics of such cannot be crossed), and that Christian fiction is created for defined boundaries within a particular community. She also notes that a Christian fiction writer must comply with certain restraints such as:[6]
- Accept the truthful authority of the Bible
- Address dilemmas through faith in Jesus
- Believe that Jesus died and rose for sins of all people
- Avoid writing about certain “taboos”
Publishers of Christian novels include B&H Publishing Group,
Urban Christian fiction
Urban Christian fiction is an Imprint of the
It is a genre in which conflicting stories of emotion and vividness mixes God, the urban church, and faith. The stories usually portray
Some best-selling authors in this genre for 2012 were Kimberla Lawson Roby, Victoria Christopher Murray, Tony Dungy, Lutishia Lovely, Neta Jackson, Keyon C. Polite, Serita Jakes (wife of
Some best-selling authors in this genre for 2015 were Jonathan Cahn, Karen Kingsbury, William Paul Young, Sarah Price (author) and Francine Rivers.[14]
Urban Christian fiction is classified as part of the African-American Christian Market (AACM), where the best-selling topics include fiction, books for dating, dramatic testimony, and single parenting.[15] Prominent pastors of megachurches and leaders of powerful ministries contributes largely to AACM.[15] The Baker Publishing Group also publish African-American authors of Christian fiction and religious materials.[15]
See also
- Amish romance
- List of Christian fiction authors
- List of Christian novels
- Theological fiction
- Christian science fiction
References
- ^ It's Not Your Grandmothers' Christian Fiction Anymore, by Deborah Bryan, presented at the Tri-Conference 2007, April 11–13, 2007 (Topeka, Kansas), "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2012-10-11. Retrieved 2008-01-13.
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link) - ^ L'Engle's title is drawn from the line "And all the wickedness in this world that man might work or think is no more to the mercy of God than a live coal in the sea."
- ^ "Caveat Gyrator (Elvis Priestly, Part II) - Christian History". Archived from the original on 2006-02-19. Retrieved 2006-02-20.
- ^ "Dr. Norman Geisler - Home Page". Normangeisler.net. Archived from the original on 2012-02-22. Retrieved 19 January 2014.
- ^ "Search | Challies Dot Com". Challies.com. Archived from the original on 2010-01-29. Retrieved 2014-04-04.
- ^ Bryan, Deborah Bryan. Books for the Soul: Contemporary Christian Fiction at Your Library (PDF). Kansas Library Association. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2012-09-07. Retrieved 2012-04-24.
- ^ dbw Press Release (June 5, 2014). "Ebook Subscription Service Entitle Adds Christian Vertical". Digital Book World.
- ECPA. Retrieved 21 November 2017.
- ^ African American Literature Book Club
- ^ "Urban Christian Fiction growing in popularity « BlogaBook". Blogs.hcplonline.org. Archived from the original on 2013-11-04. Retrieved 21 November 2017.
- ^ "Urban Christian". Archived from the original on 2012-04-22. Retrieved 2012-05-09.
- ^ Urban Christian News, "Bestsellers List," "April 2012 Urban Christian News Bestsellers List - Urban Christian News". Archived from the original on 2012-05-08. Retrieved 2012-05-12. (accessed 12 May 2012)
- ^ Hennepin County Library, "Bookspace," "Hennepin County Library - bookspace - my book list - Urban Christian Fiction". Archived from the original on 2012-05-30. Retrieved 2012-05-14. (accessed 14 May 2013)
- ^ "Christian Book Expo: ECPA Christian Fiction Bestsellers, November 2015". Christianbookexpo.com. Retrieved 21 November 2017.
- ^ a b c "Book Reviews, Bestselling Books & Publishing Business News". Publishers Weekly. Retrieved 21 November 2017.