I am posting the rest of Chapter One of Talent For A Mission today, Saturday, October 28, 2023 because my area will experience sudden winter-snow-freezing weather the last three days of October, and the power or the internet may go out. Further, it seems that the so-called “end times” are approaching faster and faster what with the Israel-Hamas-Middle East war and rumors of wars…a saying within the Bible Book of Revelation and also Gospels. Thus perhaps–folks, I do not trust the media, legacy or alternative anymore–the time is fast approaching where true believers on Christ must decide to ‘make disciples of all nations.’ And I must get this treatise or guide or whatever completed soon and then post on this site. From Chapter One of Talent For A Mission, copyright © 2023 by Deborah Lagarde:
So, below is the rest of Chapter One:
Why Write Christian Fiction for Non-Christians, Instead of Non-Fiction for Non-Christians?
And, can a novel about characters that accept Christ as Savior who had previously engaged in debauched behaviors, cussing, and took part in occultist rituals be considered ‘Christian’?
I have come across various authors who are also Christians weighing in on this issue. Some say the novels to attract non-Christians as well as Christians should be (as one author puts it) ‘cleaner than clean’: no sex, no cussing, no occult rituals, no reference to pop culture artists, obey parents without question, dress as modestly as possible, and heaven forbid a character is politically left-wing!
Then another Christian author said not to be ‘cleaner than clean,’ and to ‘keep it real.’
My opinion? I’ll let the author decide. But my characters are my characters and ‘cleaner than clean’ does not fit their characterization.
Now, non-Christians likely want to know how characters in Christian fiction live, or their life-styles. What is worn in church? Does the Christian drink beer? What country-western singer do they like best…okay, okay, what Contemporary Christian singer do they like best? Are they staunch Republicans? Would they join the military?
Does that mean—according to what one might consider as life style choices a Christian would choose using typical stereotypes of Christians—that Christian fiction must have these themes, memes, or tropes?
Would it be too far gone for a Christian author of fiction to feature characters that would never be considered stereotypical Christians? In fact, this line of thought could attract even more non-Christians to buy your books, if you are indeed trying to ‘make disciples of all nations.’
And why fiction? Unless a non-Christian is simply doing research on Christian thought, actions, politics, Bible studies, Christian history and evangelism, proof of the existence of God or proof Jesus actually existed as a person born of a virgin, including exactly when he was born (since calendar dating has changed) and other topics, a non-Christian wanting stories about what Christians do or don’t do is more likely, in my opinion, to choose fiction—fiction could help the reader understand that the decision, or not, to accept Christ as Savior is really that person’s decision if the story causes the reader to consider it.
And Bear in Mind it Could Help Christians Who Are on Shaky Ground
Various media organs online and off-line are reporting many Christians are losing faith or giving up ministries or are on shaky ground, not losing faith but not exactly keeping it, either.
So, even if the characters act ‘sinful’ at times, keep in mind that what you write could help ‘shaky’ Christians renew their faith as well. Make sure you focus on Christ here, and what renewing faith can offer.
I just want to encourage Christian authors to ‘do their job’ with the writing talent God gave them, their so-called ‘mission.’
Before I continue, let me present the parable this book or guide is based upon, The Parable of the Talents. From the copyright-free King James Version, online PDF version—
{25:14} For [the kingdom of heaven is] as a man travelling into a far country, [who] called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods.
{25:15} And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability; and straightway took his journey.
{25:16} Then he that had received the five talents went and traded with the same, and made [them] other five talents.
{25:17} And likewise he that [had received] two, he also gained other two.
{25:18} But he that had received one went and digged in the earth, and hid his lord’s money.
{25:19} After a long time the lord of those servants cometh, and reckoneth with them.
{25:20} And so he that had received five talents came and brought other five talents, saying, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me five talents: behold, I have gained beside them five talents more.
{25:21} His lord said unto him, Well done, [thou] good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.
{25:22} He also that had received two talents came and said, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me two talents: behold, I have gained two other talents beside them.
{25:23} His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.
{25:24} Then he which had received the one talent came and said, Lord, I knew thee that thou art an hard man, reaping where thou hast not sown, and gathering where thou hast not strawed:
{25:25} And I was afraid, and went and hid thy talent in the earth: lo, [there] thou hast [that is] thine.
{25:26} His lord answered and said unto him, [Thou] wicked and slothful servant, thou knewest that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I have not strawed:
{25:27} Thou oughtest therefore to have put my money to the exchangers, and [then] at my coming I should have received mine own with usury.
{25:28} Take therefore the talent from him, and give [it] unto him which hath ten talents.
{25:29} For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath.
{25:30} And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
In other words, use the talent God gave you, for His purpose, and spread His message in your mission.
The first part of Chapter Two will be posted sometime next week.
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