In my last post (Is YA Christian Fiction Ever Christian Enough?), I urged readers to lay off their criticism of Christian fiction. YA Christian fiction books offer a great alternative for conscientious readers looking for clean entertainment that encourages faith (as long as you don’t use them as a replacement for the Bible).
Unfortunately, not every novel marketed as “Christian” is truly so. So how do you know if the book you plucked from the bookstore shelf with the cross symbol on it’s spine will be what it claims?
In this post, I’ve highlighted six red flags to watch for in YA Christian fiction.
Hi, I’m Lauren Thell, author of Christian YA fiction and blogger for teens who are ready to exceed the world’s expectations.
In This Article
WARNING: RED FLAGS TO WATCH FOR IN YA CHRISTIAN FICTION
1) The Obvious: Profanity, Steamy Sexual Content, And Glorified Violence
Most people expect Christian fiction to be “clean” and absent of the Big Three: sex, violence, and profanity. But more than once, I’ve been appalled by the content found in books marketed toward Christian teens.
Swearing is promoted when it’s portrayed as normal and okay. Purity is mocked when a steamy make-out session in a church closet is described in graphic detail, even if the characters eventually choose abstinence. And there’s enough mind-numbing violence in real life that we don’t need it glorified in YA Christian fiction.
If you come across a book with any of the above, chances are it will cross other biblical lines, too . . . like the less obvious red flags.
2) The Less Obvious: Adapting Biblical Principles to Fit Cultural Norms
An alarming trend has overtaken many Christian communities: More and more churches are watering down or completely rejecting certain biblical truths to increase their appeal to a diverse population. Accusations of being too judgmental have caused us to cower under scrutiny.
“You choose what you believe, I’ll choose what I believe. Let’s hold hands and pray.”
Unfortunately, this trend has found its way into Christian fiction for teens.
Authors looking for ways to increase their audience sometimes make compromises. While some novels only scratch the surface of Christian doctrine (again, see my previous post), others adopt a modern—and dangerously incorrect—stance on biblical principles.
One example is homosexuality. The Bible very clearly teaches that homosexuality is a sin. I’m sorry if that offends you, but the truth is offensive to our sinful nature. Jesus offers redemption for those caught up in this—or any other—sin, but he never says it’s okay. Yet some Christian fiction books for teens applaud openly gay characters, giving the sense they can be at peace with their lifestyle.
This is not only wrong but dangerous.
Beware of fiction that indulges the sinful nature and ignores God’s Word.
3) Jesus: Where is he in the story?
There doesn’t have to be a coming-to-faith moment for a story to be labeled Christian. But what if Jesus isn’t mentioned at all? Is that okay?
Beware of fiction that indulges the sinful nature and ignores God’s Word.
One of my favorite YA Christian fiction books doesn’t mention Jesus by name at all. I was torn when I finished it because I didn’t know whether to give it a rave review or berate it for this omission. Speaking as an author, it’s easy to inadvertently leave Jesus’ name out of a novel or short story. “God” is general and all-purpose while “Jesus” is specific, and when the theme of the story isn’t specifically about salvation, he sometimes ends up in the shadows.
It’s something I and many other authors are working to be more aware of.
But as I said in my last post, the purpose of fiction is not to replace the Bible but to send readers to scripture for answers. If you come across a Christian teen novel that lacks mention of our Savior’s name, be sure to pay close attention to the theology of the story to determine whether it is indeed Christian literature.
4) Biblical Truth: What’s the theology behind the story?
To discern a novel’s theology, look at the characters of faith (who may or may not be the protagonist).
How do they act? What do they say? What kind of counsel do they give? Does their advice/lifestyle conflict with the Bible? How does the scene play out when someone chooses to act contrary to biblical teaching?
This is why IT’S SO IMPORTANT TO READ YOUR BIBLE! How else will you be able to recognize falsehood in fiction—or real life, for that matter?
After looking over the above-mentioned book a second (and third) time, I found the essence of Christianity—salvation by faith—was there despite the omission of Jesus’ name. So I decided to forgive the author for this gap.
You might feel differently, and that’s okay.
5) Morals are stressed more than faith.
Christianity isn’t about being good so you can avoid negative consequences. We avoid doing XYZ because that will ruin our relationship with Christ.
Many Christian fiction books revolve around the challenges of living a godly life. How will Character A handle this problem? What will happen to Character K when she chooses this sin? What should Character Q do in this moral situation?
There’s nothing wrong with that, but pay close attention to the “Why?” of the story. Christianity isn’t about being good so you can avoid negative consequences. It’s about a relationship with Christ. We avoid doing XYZ because that will ruin our relationship with Christ.
Even in fiction, the Gospel should be at the center.
6) Christianity Portrayed as the Mr. Fix-It of Life’s Problems
Being a Christian isn’t all cheerful bubbles and sweet-smelling roses. In fact, becoming a Christian usually leads to more problems. Giving us a happy, problem-free life is not God’s number one goal. His goal is to transform us into the image of his Son. So watch out for fiction that merely presents Christianity as a better way to live.
Faith doesn’t fix. It transforms.
The Bottom Line
Seem like a lot of rules to remember? Let me sum it up.
YA Christian fiction that truly isn’t “Christian enough” is: Any book that teaches something other than God so loved the world that he gave his one and only son that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have everlasting life.
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.
Philippians 4:8
Choose fiction that fills your mind with praise!
Resources for Discerning Readers
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.
Check out my book lists, which include reviews of Christian fiction for teens:
- Books for Christian Teens: Clean YA Sci-Fi, Fantasy, & Dystopia
- Great YA Literature: Clean Classic Books For Teens
- YA Christian Fiction Thrillers, Suspense, & Horror: 8 Books to Keep You on Edge
- Standout Characters in YA Novels: Lauren’s Picks
- Emotionally Charged YA Fiction That Will Alter Your Perspective
- Christian Teen Fiction Review: SOMETHING I AM NOT
- Christian YA Fiction Spotlight: Author Jenny B. Jones
- Seasons of Kane: A Christian YA Short Story Series
For quick reads, check out my short stories.
And if you’re a YA fiction enthusiast who’s serious about your faith and dedicated to reading only wholesome, God-glorifying literature, subscribe to my weekly note for the most exclusive YA Christian fiction, nonfiction, and clean fiction recommendations. Sign up so you don’t miss out!