When is the last time you visited Instagram? 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 when’s the last time you read a good book? I’m not talking about the Bible (which I expect you’re reading daily—a discussion for another post). 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.
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
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 is important for young readers (more on that in a minute), 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. Which 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. 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!!! 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 listened 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, and 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?
Why Christian Teens Should Read Christian Fiction
Why do we need Christian YA fiction? After all, there’s a big market for clean YA fiction. Isn’t that enough?
1) Christian fiction shows the bigger picture.
As an author, reader, and mother, I tip my hat to those (think Kasie West and Ally Carter) who have dedicated themselves to crafting entertaining novels for teens without resorting to explicit sex, glorified underage drinking, gory violence, and crude language. Considering all the not-so-clean forms of entertainment clamoring for a reader’s attention in our current world, this is not an easy task.
Leaving God out of a story is like stepping out of the house without pants on. Something big is missing.
I too considered writing for the clean YA fiction market and staying in honorable but neutral territory. Then I imagined trying to reach the climax of a novel without the “Aha!” moment faith brings, and I realized:
Leaving God out of a story is like stepping out of the house without pants on. Something big is missing.
Christian fiction shows the whole picture in ways reality can’t. You don’t always see God at work in your life, but you could probably spot it on the page for a fictional character going through the same thing. Our lives are driven by a faith in a powerful, intelligent, supreme being that isn’t limited by human capability. Fiction written from a Christian perspective display the greater powers at work around us.
2) Christian fiction is a step toward the ultimate in literature: God’s Word.
Even the best Christian fiction cannot replace dedicated time spent studying scripture, but let’s face it: Sometimes the Bible is an intimidating, complicated read even for those of us who have been doing it awhile. Yes, you can find answers, but you have to know where to look. (See my post How to Navigate the Bible: 3 Simple Tricks.)
That’s where a fictional character in a Christian YA story can become your friend.
Watch him struggle with the same issues you struggle with. Live through his mistakes without making them yourself. Learn about God’s Word alongside him. See what biblical truths he unearths. He may just lead you right where you need to go in the Bible.
3) Christian fictions shows not everyone does it.
Christian YA fiction shows there are others like you.
Not everyone tastes their first alcoholic drink (not counting communion wine) before the age of twenty-one. Not everyone considers sexual intimacy an expected part of dating. Not everyone is okay with foul language. And yes, some of us pray and go to church because we want to, not because we have to.
Isn’t it a relief when you read about someone like you? Someone who walks the same path you do and faces similar opposition? Christian YA fiction can help you fight peer pressure by showing you are not alone.
4) Christian fiction lets you watch someone else tackle life in faith.
The characters in Christian YA fiction can show us how to handle a worldly problem from a godly standpoint—or show us what happens when we don’t. Sometimes we doubt. Sometimes our faith splinters and we wonder if God really cares—or is he there at all? These are real-life issues, and they happen with fictional characters as well.
Watching someone else struggle with faith might inspire you to hold tight to yours.
5) Christian fiction fills your mind with holier things.
What you think about shapes you. It reforms who you are at your deepest level.
Ever heard the saying “Garbage in, garbage out”? It’s an old one, been around for so long because it’s true. What you eat determines the overall health of your body. What you fill your mind with determines your words and actions. If you’re binging on media that normalizes unbiblical lifestyles like cohabitation or homosexuality, your beliefs will move toward compromise and, eventually, acceptance.
What you think about shapes you. It reforms who you are at your deepest level, remaking you in the image of your deepest thoughts.
So fill your mind with holy thoughts!
More on Why Christian Teens Should Read Christian Fiction
Check out this interesting article by Jody Hedlund: To Those Who Stick Up Their Noses At Christian Fiction. The unfortunate reality is, while Christian YA fiction is a necessary market, you might have a hard time finding viable titles. See why in Why is it so Hard to Find Christian YA Fiction?
Also, take a look at my post The Problem With Clean YA Fiction For Christian Teens for more on the imporatance of Christian YA fiction.
Where to Find Quality Fiction for Christian Teens
Now that you know why Christian teens should read fiction, the next question is what, and where can you find it?
1) Subscribe to my blog/newsletter.
While I do not have any novels in print (I’m working on it), I offer a library of FREE short story ebooks to subscribers—Christian YA fiction for those who walk through fire. Subscribers also get regular blog updates and reading recommendations for CLEAN and WHOLESOME YA fiction, including Christian fiction.
2) Browse 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
3) Check out my other resources.
- How to Find Clean Young Adult Fiction in a Dirty Market
- 6 Red Flags to Watch For in YA Christian Fiction
- Is YA Christian Fiction Ever Christian Enough?
For Further Study
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.
For a deeper look at why Christian teens should read fiction: In Defense of Fiction: Christian Love For Great Literature (article from DesiringGod.org)
Wondering if there’s ever a time when reading fiction is bad? There might be. Read my story in I Took a Break From Reading Fiction—For Years
Read more about my personal author journey and short story collection:
Other resources:
Great suggestions and direction. We are never done LEARNING and reading is a wonderful way of doing just that!
So many good reading choices and your posts are a very good choice for sure!
Yes! Reading is FUN-damental! ?
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