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Title: Christian Fiction Books Post by: Haray72 on October 14, 2004, 11:48:24 AM What do you readers out there think of Christian fiction book? A friend of mine just finished one and thought that it was pretty entertaining...can't remember the name of it. I was just wondering what people think of these books. Is it wrong to want to read them?
Title: Re:Christian Fiction Books Post by: No Gray Areas on October 26, 2004, 10:04:12 AM As a confermed book worm reading Christian fiction is not wrong,I also read non christian fiction at times as long as it's good clean fun I think it's ok
Title: Re:Christian Fiction Books Post by: Bern on December 08, 2004, 11:22:35 AM I think its a matter of personal conviction and/ or preference here. I personally have not read, and will not read Christian fiction. I don't believe the two terms should ever be heard together. It is as if what God does in the real world is not enough for us, that we have to seek excitment related to him elsewhere. It is also a medium that is more prone to the author conveying their own opinions ( teachings of men) than the mind of God. There is , I believe, a certain danger in believers absorbing doctrine and ideas that influence their thinking when reading Christian fiction.
Sometimes it can be used to illustrate a point, and that can be good to an extent. But when whole lengthy stories are made up about.. thats a different matter. I just don't see the need to make up things relating to God. Attributing events to Him, that clearly are not the truth. I certainly wouldn't think kless of someone for reading a Christian fiction book, but I personalyl will never read one. Title: Re:Christian Fiction Books Post by: Willowbirch on January 26, 2005, 07:09:41 PM *sigh*
I guess that cancels out all fiction! :-\ Title: Re:Christian Fiction Books Post by: His_child on February 20, 2005, 06:52:41 PM I guess that means I shouldn't be reading those Beverly Lewis books that I've come to enjoy so much.
*sigh* [/color]Title: Re:Christian Fiction Books Post by: Willowbirch on March 25, 2005, 07:54:06 PM I guess that means I shouldn't be reading those Beverly Lewis books that I've come to enjoy so much. Are those the Amish stories?*sigh* [/color]I also agree that "Christian" and "fiction" just don't belong together. We have truth and we know The Truth. What a cause to rejoice! Jesus quoted scripture, but he also used parables to reveal His truths. A "fiction" story that conveys truth is nothing to be ashamed of! :D Title: Re:Christian Fiction Books Post by: tsu05 on March 25, 2005, 08:13:21 PM Quote I also agree that "Christian" and "fiction" just don't belong together. why? so your saying that we shouldnt have Christian fiction all that means is that you have an entertaining plot with The Truth mixed in like Frank Peretti, Ted Deker, Gilbert Morris and Sigmund Brower. What do you think the Left Behind is? maybe im just interperting this wrong.Title: Re:Christian Fiction Books Post by: Willowbirch on March 27, 2005, 06:40:53 PM ??
Title: Re:Christian Fiction Books Post by: tsu05 on March 27, 2005, 08:05:34 PM yeah i was thinking the same...shrekandogre is back with confusion
Title: Re:Christian Fiction Books Post by: Willowbirch on April 06, 2005, 01:24:50 PM yeah i was thinking the same...shrekandogre is back with confusion ;DTitle: Re:Christian Fiction Books Post by: JudgeNot on April 07, 2005, 01:28:58 PM I enjoy Christian fiction a LOT!
Question: Were Jesus’ parables fiction? Hmmm. I believe they were. So – Christian and fiction DO mix. :) My current personal favorite Christian author is Ted Dekker. “Blink” and “Blessed Child” are particularly inspiring and entertaining books. JN Title: Re:Christian Fiction Books Post by: tsu05 on April 07, 2005, 10:04:45 PM good junk...should also read Three, and black,red,white
Title: Re:Christian Fiction Books Post by: Willowbirch on May 18, 2005, 10:42:51 AM I enjoy Christian fiction a LOT! Exactly.Question: Were Jesus’ parables fiction? Hmmm. I believe they were. So – Christian and fiction DO mix. :) But its not "fiction". Its truth, with the occasional wild, imaginative interpretation. Christian 'fiction' is a celebration of truth in disguise. Nevermind. I don't understand myself. I'll shut up. ::) My favorite Christian fantasy/fiction of all is "Lilith", and most anything else by MacDonald. Lots of imagination there. Title: Re:Christian Fiction Books Post by: Tibby on May 19, 2005, 04:16:47 PM Is it actually about the Legend of Lilith? sounds interesting...
Title: Re:Christian Fiction Books Post by: Willowbirch on August 18, 2005, 06:26:11 PM Is it actually about the Legend of Lilith? sounds interesting... Not the actual legend.It does have SOME legend in it; i.e., Lilith being Adam's first wife, and her sin which followed her and gradually devoured her, and her eating her own children...but the legend is more of a background rather than the actual story. Title: Re: Christian Fiction Books Post by: Hary on September 19, 2006, 09:26:49 AM I had not once thought about this topic, whether christian fiction is wrong.
I love to read and i see where you are coming from and respect that, I just hadn't seen it from that point of view however i will keep reading christian fiction, because when i'm in the mood to do some light reading i would definialty read a cristian book, then one where the morals and the storyline is not based on how i like my life to be like or what i believe in. To me reading a book is like watching a Tv show except that your mind is making up what you see. You begin to imagine what the characters are like and usually in most of the christian books that i read someone is already a 'born-again' christian and shows the non-believer the real Truth and the Way. I don't make the books a life but they are just healthy entertainment then watching of reading garbage. By the way my favourite authors are: Francine Rivers, Dee Henderson, Karen Kingsbury, Trace Peterson and Lori Wick. I don't mind the Left Behind Series but you need to be carefull that you don't take that as legit, it is only their interpertation of the book of revalations and the end times, it might not happen that way at all. Title: Re: Christian Fiction Books Post by: Tolorah on September 19, 2006, 09:51:13 AM You dont need to stop reading fiction books just because some peoples personal opinion says you shouldnt!!! Reading about God working in these make believe lives helps us see him in our own lives...things always seem clearer when we see them in other peoples lives rather than our own...some discuss topics that are important to the everyday person and use the bible in correct context to back it up... how often do we see God working in our lives without someone pointing it out or looking back to where we've come from...theres nothing wrong if you dont treat it as though they are really people in these books that really live
Title: Re: Christian Fiction Books Post by: Florida_Catholic on October 04, 2006, 08:23:49 PM I'm surprised Dan Brown's books have not been brought up in this topic, would you not consider those to fall under the topic of Christian Fiction?
Title: Re: Christian Fiction Books Post by: Soldier4Christ on October 04, 2006, 09:18:32 PM I'm surprised Dan Brown's books have not been brought up in this topic, would you not consider those to fall under the topic of Christian Fiction? They don't qualify for the name Christian nor do they qualify for fiction ..... anti-Christian garbage would be a better name. Title: Re: Christian Fiction Books Post by: nChrist on October 05, 2006, 12:09:28 AM Florida_Catholic,
Dan Brown's filth could only be mentioned in connection with the devil's lies and blasphemy. You will find the Da Vinci Code mentioned on the forum in this context. Title: Re: Christian Fiction Books Post by: Tolorah on October 05, 2006, 05:54:15 AM They don't qualify for the name Christian nor do they qualify for fiction ..... anti-Christian garbage would be a better name. RIGHT ON!!!! :D Title: Re:Christian Fiction Books Post by: Brother Jerry on October 05, 2006, 09:24:38 AM Not the actual legend. It does have SOME legend in it; i.e., Lilith being Adam's first wife, and her sin which followed her and gradually devoured her, and her eating her own children...but the legend is more of a background rather than the actual story. Forgive me Willowbirch but I personally would not classify that as Christian based fiction if the underlying story is in reference to the Lilith myth. Lilith being Adam's first wife is purely unBiblical and thus would make the story completely unChristian. Even unJewish if we wanted to get down to it. As far as reading Christian Fiction I have no problems with it. As long as the message is Biblical in nature. I read fiction of all sorts, historical, Christian, science, fantasy, thriller, and even lots of non. I do not read fast but I read alot at once (have 4 books going now). Title: Re: Christian Fiction Books Post by: Soldier4Christ on October 05, 2006, 10:03:18 AM 4 books at the same time?? I would have trouble keeping them separated in my mind! I can only manage two at one time. The Bible and just one other one.
I agree on Lillith. Any book that covers such would be in the same category as the Da Vinci Code ..... anti-Christian garbage. Title: Re: Christian Fiction Books Post by: Brother Jerry on October 05, 2006, 02:49:35 PM Not so bad. I am usually reading one fictional work, 3 non-fictionaly reference books, and the Good Book. Like right now I have a fantasy novel I have been reading for like 6 months now and am half way through it. A book on missions, one about Christian leadership, and another on the book of Romans (for my Sunday School class).
So usually different enough to keep them seperate in my mind. Every now and then Paul is on a mission to lead a bunch of Christians to some far away land while riding a dragon...but not often :D Title: Re: Christian Fiction Books Post by: Soldier4Christ on October 05, 2006, 03:07:38 PM So usually different enough to keep them seperate in my mind. Every now and then Paul is on a mission to lead a bunch of Christians to some far away land while riding a dragon...but not often :D Knowing me I would probably have the dragon riding Paul. Title: Re: Christian Fiction Books Post by: Florida_Catholic on October 05, 2006, 07:50:44 PM I'm no big fiction fan in general, but to answer the original question I don't see how exposing yourself to any idea could be wrong. Just because I read something does not mean I agree with its message. In my view, reading and learning only exercise the mind God gave you - be grateful and keep it healthy.
Title: Re: Christian Fiction Books Post by: Soldier4Christ on October 05, 2006, 08:05:01 PM To keep it healthy is to keep the garbage out. If you want to keep your physical body healthy I am sure that you would not purposefully go out and eat all kinds of filthy things.
Title: Re: Christian Fiction Books Post by: nChrist on October 05, 2006, 10:51:17 PM Brothers and Sisters,
The devil does use all kinds of media to create doubt, confusion, and even chaos. By "media", I would be talking about any method that can be used to transmit information (i.e. music, books, television, movies, etc.). In fact, we live in a time where we are bombarded from every side with the devil's messages. In many ways, the human brain is like a computer in that it stores and processes information. A commonly used phrase for computers makes for an excellent illustration: "garbage in - garbage out." The lost and the babes in Christ are the most susceptible to the devil's messages, but that doesn't infer that the devil's messages are good for mature Christians. The devil can snare just about anyone for his purposes if we let him. Inviting the devil in with any form of media is negative. Christians still fight a daily battle within themselves every day of this short life on earth. The Apostle Paul described this battle in great detail and said it was going on inside himself. I doubt there are any Christians who would compare their strength in the LORD to that of the Apostle Paul. The obvious conclusion is that we all fight with the powers of darkness, and we have ample reasons to pray that GOD helps us in this fight. Love In Christ, Tom Proverbs 14:26 NASB In the fear of the LORD there is strong confidence, And his children will have refuge. Title: Re: Christian Fiction Books Post by: Florida_Catholic on October 09, 2006, 08:38:55 PM You're certainly free to shelter yourself from varied ideas. As for myself, I have found great mental and spiritual enrichment by reading and learning. Also in my experience God has blessed me with enough intelligence to judge for myself whether to accept, reject, or further consider a message.
Title: Re: Christian Fiction Books Post by: Soldier4Christ on October 09, 2006, 08:52:27 PM You're certainly free to shelter yourself from varied ideas. As for myself, I have found great mental and spiritual enrichment by reading and learning. Also in my experience God has blessed me with enough intelligence to judge for myself whether to accept, reject, or further consider a message. It is not a matter of sheltering. It is a matter of refusing to partake of the things of the devil. Discernment goes a long way. Quote 2Co 6:17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, Now that is wisdom and discernment. Title: Re: Christian Fiction Books Post by: Brother Jerry on October 16, 2006, 03:51:47 PM Exactly PR.
There is a great difference in knowing what is evil and immersing yourself in evil. I do not have to watch the show Mindfreak to know Chris Angel is no angel. And because of that I do not watch the show. Does magicians and illusionists fascinate me. Sure I love a good magic act. But I can tell just from the commercials and the one episode I did watch, that his act is not of God. Thus I do not watch. The verse you quoted in 2Co 6:17. Notice that it did not say that we are to shelter ourselves from the outside world. Because in order to know not to touch an unclean thing we have to know how to identify that unclean thing. And the Bible teaches us that. We know that if it is not from God it is not clean. And that if it is from the devil then it is filth. God gives us the discernment we need to stay clear of that which may lead us astray. I myself am to much like a religious scientist. If I see something I do not understand or cannot explain by the glorious natural laws that God created. Then more than likely it is not of God and is from Satan and I do not want any part of it. That is like ghosts and hauntings. I believe they are real. But I do not believe that there is any good in any of them, because if it were a saved soul it would be in heaven. And if it were a lost soul then it would be in Hell, and God has no need to send angels to haunt so they must be devils. And thus I stay clear. Title: Re: Christian Fiction Books Post by: AngelFriend on November 01, 2006, 04:13:03 PM I love to read and I read alot of books. Reading Christian fiction is ok with me. I don't know if this book was brought up or not but I'll ask anyway. I hope I am doing this the right way. I was just wondering what everyone thought about the Left Behind series by Tim Lahaye and Jerry B. Jenkins. I have read the whole series and I thought it was very good. I have read each book about 4 times already.
Title: Re: Christian Fiction Books Post by: nChrist on November 02, 2006, 12:10:56 AM Hello AngelFriend,
I haven't read the books myself, but I have heard many opinions about them. Some Christians thought the books were great, and some Christians were very critical of the books. I really think that the same is true of many things, some with good reasons, and some with little or no reasons. Someone could write a book about divisions among Christians, Christians fighting other Christians, and try to address why we have so many tags, labels, and denominations. Whoever wrote the book could expect some criticism. :D Love In Christ, Tom Matthew 22:36-40 NASB "Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?" And He said to him, " 'YOU SHALL LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART, AND WITH ALL YOUR SOUL, AND WITH ALL YOUR MIND.' "This is the great and foremost commandment. "The second is like it, 'YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF.' "On these two commandments depend the whole Law and the Prophets." Title: Re: Christian Fiction Books Post by: Hary on November 03, 2006, 08:18:06 AM I was just wondering what everyone thought about the Left Behind series by Tim Lahaye and Jerry B. Jenkins. I have read the whole series and I thought it was very good. I have read each book about 4 times already. I don't know if I brought this up in this topic of another, but yes I have read all the Left Behind books except the middle prequal. The one thing I say is that they are only there interpretation of what the end times will be like and not neccessary correct. but it does make interesting reading and one thing is that I deffinetly don't want to be around in those times. ;) Title: Re: Christian Fiction Books Post by: nChrist on November 04, 2006, 12:02:26 AM I don't know if I brought this up in this topic of another, but yes I have read all the Left Behind books except the middle prequal. The one thing I say is that they are only there interpretation of what the end times will be like and not neccessary correct. but it does make interesting reading and one thing is that I deffinetly don't want to be around in those times. ;) Hello Hary, I believe strongly in the Rapture, but there are some Christians who don't. There are actually some Christians who call the Rapture doctrine heresy. I really don't understand that at all because I think the Bible is very clear about the Rapture. Those who call it heresy usually start out by saying that the word "Rapture" isn't in the Bible, and it isn't. "Caught up" to meet the LORD in the air is how the Bible refers to this, and "Rapture" is a reasonable term derived from the root of the ancient language. I really don't care what folks call it - I simply know that all saved people will spend eternity with JESUS. ___________________________ (http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i160/tlr10/relig/relig150.gif) KEEP LOOKING UP! THE RAPTURE WILL BE A REALITY! 1 Thessalonians 4:13 NASB But we do not want you to be uninformed, brethren, about those who are asleep, so that you will not grieve as do the rest who have no hope. 1 Thessalonians 4:14 NASB For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who have fallen asleep in Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 4:15 NASB For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord, will not precede those who have fallen asleep. 1 Thessalonians 4:16 NASB For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. 1 Thessalonians 4:17 NASB Then we who are alive and remain will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we shall always be with the Lord. 1 Thessalonians 4:18 NASB Therefore comfort one another with these words. ____________________________ 1 Corinthians 15:50 NASB Now I say this, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable. 1 Corinthians 15:51 NASB Behold, I tell you a mystery; we will not all sleep, but we will all be changed, 1 Corinthians 15:52 NASB in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet; for the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. 1 Corinthians 15:53 NASB For this perishable must put on the imperishable, and this mortal must put on immortality. 1 Corinthians 15:54 NASB But when this perishable will have put on the imperishable, and this mortal will have put on immortality, then will come about the saying that is written, "DEATH IS SWALLOWED UP in victory. 1 Corinthians 15:55 NASB "O DEATH, WHERE IS YOUR VICTORY? O DEATH, WHERE IS YOUR STING?" 1 Corinthians 15:56 NASB The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law; 1 Corinthians 15:57 NASB but thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 15:58 NASB Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord. Love In Christ, Tom Title: Re: Christian Fiction Books Post by: Josprel on December 25, 2006, 10:12:56 PM "Pilgrim's Progress" is a Christian Fiction book. Those among you who don't advocate Christian books, what say you of this?
Josprel Title: Re: Christian Fiction Books Post by: nChrist on December 28, 2006, 05:48:41 PM Hello Josprel,
I think that I read Pilgrim's Progress about 40 years ago. Project Guttenberg offers free access to probably all of John Bunyan's works, including Pilgrim's Progress, and I would like to read it again. I have such a huge list of things that I want to read and study that it's hard to find the time. I'm retired and disabled, so I have plenty of time. I do read other books, but I spend most of my time with the Bible. There are many wonderful books for Christians to read. I think that the main point that some wanted to make in this thread is the Holy Bible is and should be the most important book in a Christian's life. I'm not suggesting that other books should be excluded unless they fall into the category of garbage and false teaching. By "garbage", I would be talking about sex novels and other like trash stuff that is destructive to a Christian's walk in the spirit. Regarding "false teaching", I also know that many books other than the Bible confuse, mislead, and misrepresent the Holy Bible. There are many horrible and recent examples that are nothing but lies and blasphemy (i.e. Da Vinci Code). I feel very sad that many lost people and babes in Christ will read books like this. On the other side of the coin, these horrible books might lead to witnessing and mentoring opportunities. Christians should pray about things like this on a frequent basis and use every opportunity that GOD gives us to share HIS WORD and TRUTH. From everything I remember, John Bunyan's works are wonderful, inspiring, and about as wholesome and Christian as one could find. I would consider his writings to be timeless treasures and worthy for all Christians to read. Bluntly, I consider John Bunyan to be a mighty man of GOD and would highly recommend any of his writing. From the time that he accepted CHRIST, he literally lived, preached, and wrote for GOD. Love In Christ, Tom Psalms 31:19 NASB How great is Your goodness, Which You have stored up for those who fear You, Which You have wrought for those who take refuge in You, Before the sons of men! Title: Re: Christian Fiction Books Post by: Willowbirch on January 18, 2007, 08:04:19 PM "Pilgrim's Progress" is a Christian Fiction book. Those among you who don't advocate Christian books, what say you of this? When "Pilgrim's Progress" was published, the author's friends and family couldn't believe that he had come out with such a foolish book. ;D ;D ;D Now we call it Great Christian Literature...Josprel Title: Re: Christian Fiction Books Post by: nChrist on January 18, 2007, 10:18:26 PM Hello Willowbirch,
Sister, I think that part of the value of reading books like Pilgrim's Progress is realizing how difficult things were for Christians before us. We have things easy and are spoiled in comparison. This is just something else to give thanks for. It also serves as an illustration about how important historical context is in the Bible. I think that many of us fail to appreciate what horrible prices were paid by Christians before us and how their persecution effected the times. It's fascinating just to consider their ways of life in earlier times, what their concerns were, and what motivated them to do the things they did. Life was hard for Christians and especially hard for preachers. Money, status, and power certainly didn't have anything to do with how John Bunyan lived. I'm chuckling some and wondering how many preachers of today would give up quickly if they faced just 10% of what John Bunyan did. Trials and persecution separates the called from the uncalled pretty quickly. Only GOD can give a man the kind of strength to keep standing in such hard times. This is one reason why it is so interesting to delve into the historical context of the early Christian church. Play-acting Christians didn't last long because things were just too hard. We have wonderful examples of many who died for their faith. I think immediately of the Apostles and a host of other early Christians who refused to deny their faith in JESUS CHRIST and were martyred. GOD told them to go with the GOOD NEWS, and they went. When they became ill, elderly, and weak - they still went. This is the power of GOD - not men. In fact, this is evidence that GOD and the Holy Bible are an absolute reality. There is really no other way to explain it. Some of the lost might scoff and say - look what it got them - they were killed because of their efforts. What does the Bible say about those who suffer persecution for HIS Sake? Who did they know was waiting for them with open arms? They were simply taken to a BETTER HOPE they had been yearning for. Love in Christ, Tom Psalms 37:39-40 NASB But the salvation of the righteous is from the LORD; He is their strength in time of trouble. The LORD helps them and delivers them; He delivers them from the wicked and saves them, Because they take refuge in Him. Title: Re: Christian Fiction Books Post by: Willowbirch on January 19, 2007, 03:54:50 PM I think that part of the value of reading books like Pilgrim's Progress is realizing how difficult things were for Christians before us. We have things easy and are spoiled in comparison. This is just something else to give thanks for. Before us, and today, too. My family receives a free magazine from "The Voice of the Martyrs" (founded by a persecuted pastor), every month or so; it is a blessing and a challenge to read the stories of people across the world who are currently suffering for their faith and yet rejoicing.Title: Re: Christian Fiction Books Post by: nChrist on January 19, 2007, 05:42:11 PM Before us, and today, too. My family receives a free magazine from "The Voice of the Martyrs" (founded by a persecuted pastor), every month or so; it is a blessing and a challenge to read the stories of people across the world who are currently suffering for their faith and yet rejoicing. Sister, I get the email version of Voice of the Martyrs, and I recommend it for every Christian. There are FREE subscription links to VOM quite a few places on Christians Unite. It's a wonderful Christian publication that reminds all of us to stop frequently and give thanks for our freedoms to worship, gather, and share the RICHES OF CHRIST. Love In Christ, Tom |