5 Terrific Reasons Why Christian Teens Should Read Fiction

Have you visited Instagram lately? YouTube? TikTok? Rare is the teen who hasn’t been on social media in the past 24 hours. For some, the question is not if but how much.

We love social media.

But have you read a good book lately? I’m not talking about the Bible this time (though yes, you should read it daily). And while I’m a big lover of well-written nonfiction, that’s not what I’m referring to either. I’m talking about the classic entertainment found in the fiction aisle of your local library or bookstore.

Let’s talk about why Christian teens should read fiction.

Why Christian Teens Should Read Fiction (Including Secular Fiction)

First, let me be clear that I’m not speaking strictly of Christian fiction. Yes, Christian YA fiction holds great value for young readers, as detailed in my post Why We Need Christian Books For Teens. But, as an intriguing article in Westmont Magazine explains, clean, wholesome secular fiction can accomplish the following objectives too.

(Just remember that clean and wholesome part.)

1) Reading sharpens your worldview. 

Because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.

James 1:3

Your worldview is how you perceive the world around you, and as a Christian, your perception is altered by the lens of faith. Books offer you a way to test your values on a fictional stage. You get to “try out” different characters and see what it’s like to live in their world. What choices lead to honor and which lead to shame? Each journey brings your worldview into sharper focus.

Does this mean Christian teens should limit themselves to Christian fiction? Of course not. Non-Christian writers are still capable of following the prompts of the Holy Spirit (though they won’t recognize it as such) and expressing what is true, good, and beautiful. Even mystical books like Harry Potter and Twilight have value in showing us what the world might be like if the rules were changed.

Much great literature has been written by non-Christians using God’s gifts to them. Looking at the world through their lens gives you a broader scope with which to relate to others.

2) FYI, reading improves language skills. DYK?

Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.

Colossians 4:6

OMG, I’m having total FOMO!!! They’re totally gonna crush it! If anyone can give me a ride, DM me ASAP. G2G, LOL

Um, does anyone know how to spell with real words anymore, or concoct a paragraph with an opening sentence and supporting facts? Can you lay out a sound argument using full sentences with descriptive language? 

Language skills are vitally important for Christians because we’re constantly called upon to explain and defend our beliefs. That’s super hard to do if you lack communication basics. This is where fiction has an edge over nonfiction. Nonfiction—even that which is geared toward teens—tends to be scholarly and “correct.” Our everyday language is not. (Ever listen to a conversation, noting all the unfinished sentences and topic-switching? It’s a wonder any of us understand each other at all!)

Quality fiction is an art form comprising verbal beauty, realistic dialogue, thoughtfully crafted description, and narrative pleasure. I call it realistic eloquence. Reading improves language skills, giving you words to use in everyday conversation.

3) Reading cultivates excellence.

But since you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in the love we have kindled in you…

2 Corinthians 8:7

Scrolling through social media might be pleasurable and informative, but the short bursts of text on social media require very little thought or commitment. Committing to a good book takes the kind of effort and perseverance that truly exercises the brain. Compared to other mindless forms of leisure, reading activates your mind and imagination without making it feel like work. (If reading feels like work to you, the remedy is to read more.)

In their own way, those who read demand excellence from a culture swamped with cheap substitutes. How’s that for taking a stand?

4) Reading builds character. 

“Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.“

Romans 12:15

So many people read fiction to escape reality when, in truth, fiction is a journey to reality. (There’s an argument to use the next time someone tells you to put down the book and get your head out of the clouds.) It transports you straight to the heart of human experience, ripe with feelings and emotions—even if that world includes dragons or vampires. Most of us live in a tidy box of limited experiences. I’ve survived a car crash but never sheltered in place during a hurricane. Maybe you’ve lost someone close to you but never had to help a friend deal with her father’s murder.

Fiction allows you to step into someone else’s world and broaden your perspective. How might you have treated this character if you’d met her on the street? How does his/her experience alter your perception of reality? Where would faith play a part in the greater story?

Reading builds character, evoking empathy as your eyes are opened to the plight of those around you. The more you read, the more practice you gain in walking a mile in someone else’s shoes.

5) Reading can help you learn how to be an adult.

And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight…

Philippians 1:9

Some of you will scoff at this one. How can Harry Potter And the Sorcerer’s Stone or The Westing Game teach me how to be an adult?

Basically, for all the above reasons and more. Reading improves language skills, builds character, cultivates excellence, sharpens your critical thinking skills, increases your emotional intelligence—all of which contribute to success in the real world. Your school might offer classes on personal finance, driving, or even parenting, but as far as I know, there is no all-encompassing course on “Adulting.” Fiction readers can get a headstart in this area.

Reading is not only beneficial but enjoyable, so why not do it?

Where to Find Quality Fiction for Christian Teens

You don’t have to have all the answers.

but, hey, why not?

Bring me your questions about faith, life, God, the Bible… and I’ll help you find the answers.

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Now that you know why Christian teens should read, the next question is what should they read?

You’ve come to the right place. While I do not have any novels in print as of this update, I offer a library of FREE short story ebooks to subscribers—Christian YA fiction for those who walk through fire. Subscribers also get regular reading recommendations for CLEAN and WHOLESOME YA fiction, which, in a market exceedingly saturated with racy literature, is becoming harder to find.

Don’t forget to check out my reading lists:

• Clean YA Sci-fi, Fantasy & Dystopia
• Great Literature: Clean Classic Books for Teens
• YA Christian Fiction Thrillers, Suspense & Horror
• Emotionally Charged YA Fiction That Will Alter Your Perspective
• Christian YA Fiction Spotlight: Author Jenny B. Jones
• Clean YA Fiction Spotlight: Author Kasie West

Want a deeper look at why Christian teens should read fiction? Check out In Defense of Fiction: Christian Love For Great Literature, an article put out by DesiringGod.org.