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21 Influential Books

April 9, 2012 in Book of the Month, Defense of Traditional Publishing, Personal, Steve, Theology with 22 Comments

by Steve Laube

There is a shelf in our living room where I have placed the books that had the most influence on my spiritual growth. I call them my “Punctuation Marks” because in a metaphoric way some books were a comma, some an exclamation point, and some a period or full stop.

The beauty of having them all in one place is the visual reminder of those moments where God reached out through the pages of creative people who listened to the call to write and thereby touched me. It is a large part of why I have been involved in the book business for over thirty years.

Here are the books in no particular order:

Knowing God – J.I. Packer
Celebration of Discipline – Richard Foster
Green Letters – Miles Stanford
Lectures to My Students – Charles Spurgeon
Knowledge of the Holy – A. W. Tozer
Foundations for Reconstruction – Elton Trueblood
Much More – Jack R. Taylor
Mere Christianity – C.S. Lewis
Taste of New Wine – Keith Miller
Barabbas: A Novel  – Pär Lagerkvist (Nobel Prize winner for Literature in 1951)
No Longer Strangers – Bruce Larson
How Can it be All Right When Everything is All Wrong? – Lewis Smedes
Life Together – Dietrich Bonhoeffer
I and Thou – Martin Buber
The Timeless Moment: Creativity and the Christian Faith – D. Bruce Lockerbie
Loving God – Charles Colson
The Denial of Death – Ernest Becker
Making All Things New – Henri Nouwen
Waiting on God – Andrew Murray
The Struggle of Prayer – Donald Bloesch
Making Sense of Suffering – Peter Kreeft

I hope you scour the list and find a title or two unfamiliar or currently unread. That is why I like to read similar lists. To peer into the mind of a fellow traveler and learn something new.

Your Turn

What books are on your “Punctuation Marks” shelf?

Gray Saturday

April 7, 2012 in Personal, Theology with 25 Comments

I wrote this many years ago and post it every Easter weekend as a reminder. May it speak to you in some small way.

 

Gray Saturday
by Steve Laube

Holy weekend is such a study in contrasts.

Friday is dark. Somber. Frightening in its hopelessness and pain.
I do not like Dark Fridays.
The nails bury themselves deep into my soul.
They become a singular stake through the heart of this sinner.
Piercing. Rending. Bloody.
Vanquishing this creature of the night who dares to follow his own way.
Christ’s death becomes mine.
The death I deserve.
Alone. Anguishing. Agonizing.
There is no one or nothing that can assuage this dreary weight upon me.
I stand in silence. Staring at the stars and wondering if they can hear my cry or if they care.

Saturday is Gray.
Caught between the darkness and the dawn.
We move around as if yesterday had not happened.
Errands. Busyness. The Routine. They conspire to distract from the lessons.
The mundane becomes standard. Bleak. Meaningless. Gray.
Why did Jesus have to wait for the weekend?
Why this middle day of contemplation and forgetfulness?
When night comes we will have survived the gray day.
But only because we know tomorrow is only hours away.
What would it be like if we did not know such hope?

Sunday is Light.
A celebration of life, love and hope.
It is only because of Sunday that we can face the Fridays of turmoil.
Lift your face toward the dawn.
See the grace that speeds across the hills as the sun licks each place with its touch.
The Son touches your face and the chills of rapture spread to the tips of your toes.
This gives us reason to live.
This gives us reason to love.
This gives us reason to hope.
To live where there is no life.
To love where there is no love.
To hope where there is none to be found.

Unfortunately, we all live in the Saturday Gray.
Forgetting the darkness and depth of our sinfulness.
Forgetting the truth found in the dawn.

Let us be mindful of this during the coming months.
We have been given a choice of days in which we can live.
None of us want to wallow in Dark Friday.
None of us should be satisfied with Gray Saturday.
Instead let us celebrate and embrace the peace and warmth of the gracious gift of Christ’s resurrection and life.

© 2002 Steve Laube

Dark Friday 2012

April 6, 2012 in Steve, Theology with 16 Comments

Take Me, Break Me
(a prayer)
by Steve Laube

 

Take my eyes Lord.
Strike me blind.

* * *

Then heal me Lord
That I may see with Your eyes.

 

Take my hands Lord.
Crush every bone.

* * *

Then heal me Lord
That I may touch with Your tenderness.

 

Take my ears Lord.
Deafen me.

* * *

Then heal me Lord
That I may hear with Your sensitivity.

 

Take my feet Lord.
Amputate without hesitation.

* * *

Then heal me Lord
That I may walk only on Your path.

 

Take my tongue Lord.
Sever it.

* * *

Then heal me Lord
That I speak only with Your words.

 

Take my life Lord.
End it
Please.

* * *

Then resurrect me Lord
That I may have life only in You.

 

Hear my prayer.

 

Think Before You Read

April 2, 2012 in Theology with 13 Comments

by Steve Laube

I collect books. I graze through them like I’m at an all-you-can-eat buffet. I sample this tidbit and that. Eventually I get enough to eat or have found the right morsel to consume until it is finished.

It helps make me an eclectic sort. But there are days, even weeks, where I must discipline myself to become immersed in extraordinary writing. It is there where the soul can be fed and nourished.

I came across a quote from the great Charles Bridges, a well respected pastor in the Church of England whose Exposition of Psalm 119 (published 1827) is a masterpiece. A couple years later he wrote a book directed at those in the ministry. But I thought it applicable to everyone who reads. Especially in our modern era of content consumption without digestion.

Ardent minds wish, and seem almost to expect, to gain all at once. There is here, as in religion, “a zeal not according to knowledge.”— There is too great haste in decision, and too little time for weighing, for storing, or for wisely working out the treasure. Hence arises that most injurious habit of skimming over books, rather than perusing them. The mind has only hovered upon the surface, and gained but a confused remembrance of passing matter, and an acquaintance with first principles far too imperfect for practical utility. The ore of knowledge is purchased in the lump, but never separated, or applied to important objects.

Some again need discretion in the direction of their study. They study books more than themselves. They lose themselves in the multiplicity of books; and find to their cost, that in reading as well as “making books there is no end; and much study is a weariness of the flesh.” Bishop Wilkins observes, “There is as much art and benefit in the right choice of such books, with which we should be most familiar, as there is in the election of other friends or acquaintances, with whom we may most profitably converse.” No man can read everything; nor would our real store be increased by the capacity to do so. The digestive powers would be overloaded for want of time to act, and uncontrolled confusion would reign within. It is far more easy to furnish our library than our understanding.

May you be inspired to think about what you are reading and why you are reading it.

Ready, Set…WAIT!

January 4, 2012 in Karen, Personal, Theology with 17 Comments

by Karen Ball

Ah, New Year’s. When hearts soar with best intentions and resolutions tumble around us like snow-melt waterfalls. Our hearts and minds surge with all we want to be, all we hope to accomplish, all we regret and want to change…

Okay, now, show of hands: How many of you make New Year’s Resolutions?

Again, show of hands: How many of you KEEP them??

If you were here, watching me, you’d notice my hand is down. I’ve made hundreds of resolutions over the years, and I’ve broken almost every one. It took me a lot of years to understand that this fact doesn’t make me bad or weak-willed or a failure. It took me several more years to realize that the new year isn’t, for me, about resolutions. It isn’t about saying what I will and won’t do.

It’s about listening.

Each year for the last 8 years or so, I spend the time leading to the new year listening. To God, first. In prayer, in the Word. To friends and family, second. Those who know—and, by God’s grace, love—me best. And then to the other voices/influences floating around out there, be they on the internet, on the radio, in overheard conversations, or where ever. I just keep my ears open…and listen.

For what, you may ask? Guidance. For that one word, phrase, thought, Scripture that God wants me to “get” in the coming year. When this guidance comes, I usually haven’t a clue what it’s about. And as often as not it’s not really something I want to do. Need to do, yes. But want? Yeah, not so much. Which isn’t to say God is making me suffer or anything like that. Just that each year, the word/phrase/Scripture has been about refinement. And drawing closer to Him.

For example, last year, it was “Be prepared.” Everywhere I turned, the phrase was there: in conversations, in sermons, in what I was reading and studying. Even in the books I was editing. With each confirmation, I felt it deeper in my bones: a change was coming. And I needed to prepare.

Boy, howdy, was that on target. Just look at last week’s blog for some of what we in the Ball-Sapp (Sapp is my maiden name, no jokes, please! Trust me, I’ve heard ‘em all!) household faced this last year. But through prayer and preparation, God’s grace overflowed in the face of it all. Didn’t make things easier, but it tenderized my heart to trust and endure.
So here I sit, at the dawn of yet another new year…listening. I don’t know what God will speak to me yet. But I’m ready. Waiting–

Oh. Wow. That’s it.

Okay, you may not believe this, but it just came. God just whispered to my heart, and now I know. That’s it.

Wait.

Not just that, but wait…patiently. Two things I am NOT good at. Waiting. And patience. And even as I ponder it, I know. It’s about trusting Him. About not striving and trying to make things happen in my will and power, but trusting His guidance and provision.

It’s about doing what I know to do, but with a heart filled with trust, not fear.

It’s about the very things my hubby and I read this morning in Hebrews 10:

“And so, dear brothers and sisters, we can boldly enter heaven’s Most Holy Place because of the blood of Jesus… And since we have a great High Priest who rules over God’s house, let us go right into the presence of God with sincere hearts fully trusting him. …Without wavering, let us hold tightly to the hope we say we have, for God can be trusted to keep his promises.”

Okay, so I’ve got my marching—or, more to the point, waiting—orders. How about you? Whether you’re a resolution person or not, I encourage you to take time this year as never before to listen. Listen for His whisper. Seek His guidance, in your life, in your relationships, in your career. Listen for His leading as you consider what to write and why. As you are pulled in one direction, then another…as you hear all the voices telling you what you have to do to succeed… as you weigh the many decision that will face you in this crazy, ever changing industry….

Listen.

Yes, now more than ever, publishing rests on shifting sands. But we, my friends, do not.

Listen. Hear His voice. Then, and only then, act as He leads.

I can tell you, “with heart fully trusting Him,” that He will speak.

The Final Answer

December 26, 2011 in Agency, Personal, Steve, Theology with 2 Comments

by Steve Laube

Hope you had a blessed Christmas!

The last four weeks I have posted what was, in actuality, an Advent series. Note the key words in each post:

Wait
Prepare
Expect
Give

 The Christmas season is one that is full of family, fun, food, and friends. But under it all is the foundation of our joy. The answer to our greatest longing. Of course, saying there is an answer assumes there is a question. Finances, relationships, job, writing, family, church, and school all ask different questions.

For me, the beauty of the Christ story is that He is the answer to every question. It has been said that “Jesus plus nothing equals everything.”

May you find that He is truly the final answer for you. And as you write and explore a life of faith may this current Advent season of waiting, preparing, expecting, and giving grant you insight into the riches that only He can provide.

Give Thanks to God

November 21, 2011 in Guest Post, Steve, Theology with 9 Comments

by Tim Savage

There is a verse in scripture which sets out in bold relief the great besetting problem of the human race. It is Romans 1:21: ‘for even though we knew God…we did not give thanks.’ Astonishing! How can we actually know God and not give thanks? Scarcely a day passes in which we are not deluged by at least a hundred instances of God’s goodness to us. Thanksgiving ought to be the most natural of human reflexes, as spontaneous as drawing breath.

Doubtless there are a plethora of reasons why we do not feel thankful. Perhaps business is stressful, or marriage is disappointing, or parenting is unfulfilling, or health is deteriorating, or school is unrewarding. Or maybe we simply take for granted God’s goodness to us.

How important it is, then, to rehearse frequently all that God does for us. Only then will an unending torrent of thanksgiving be unleashed from our hearts. Nowhere is God’s goodness more compellingly set out in His word. Immerse yourself in what follows, luxuriate in the story of God’s grace to you. . . and be thankful!

__________

Who is like the Lord our God? Do you not know? Have you not heard? Has it not been declared to you from the beginning? Have you not understood from the foundations of the earth? It is He who is enthroned above the vault of the earth . . . and who stretches out the heavens like a curtain. How majestic is His name . . . When we consider His heavens, the work of His fingers, the moon and the stars which He has ordained, what are we that He should take thought of us?

Yet He is intimately acquainted with all our ways . . . even before there is a word on our tongue, behold, our Lord knows it all . . . He forms our inward parts . . . He weaves us in our mother’s womb . . . we are fearfully and wonderfully made! This is too wonderful! His lovingkindnesses never cease . . . His compassions never fail . . . they are new every morning. Each new day He sets life and prosperity before us. Who is like the Lord? His gentleness makes us great. He establishes our steps under us. Our feet do not slip. One day in His courts is better than a thousand outside. How blessed is the man who makes the Lord his trust.

But, sadly, we do not know the Lord. All of us like sheep have gone astray, each has turned to his own way. There is none who seeks for God, none who does good, not even one; all have turned aside. We are a sinful people, weighed down in iniquity, offspring of evildoers, sons who act corruptly, we have abandoned the Lord. All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and the wages of sin is death.

But God takes no pleasure in the death of the wicked . . . but rather that we should live, that we should receive a new heart . . . that our heart of stone should be removed . . . that we should be saved from our uncleanness, that we who walk in darkness might see a great light . . . namely, a child . . . born to us . . . whose name is Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.

For God so loved the world that he gave His only begotten son that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life – a son who would grow up before us like a tender shoot . . . like a root out of parched ground . . . who would have no stately form or majesty . . . who would be despised and forsaken of men, a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief . . . one from whom men hide their face . . . whom we would never esteem . . . yet who would bear our griefs . . . and carry our sorrows . . . and be pierced through for our transgressions . . . crushed for our iniquities . . . oppressed and afflicted and yet not open his mouth . . . like a lamb that is led to slaughter . . . silent before its shearers.

This son did not regard equality with God as something to be used for his own self-aggrandizement but instead emptied himself, humbly taking the position of a slave, becoming obedient to God, even to the point of accepting a slave’s death on a cross. The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life a ransom for many, a good shepherd who laid down his life for his sheep. By this God demonstrates His own love towards us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Greater love has no man than this, that he lay down his life for his friends . . . and we are his friends.

By his scourging we are healed. For he who knew no sin was made sin on our behalf, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. We who were formerly alienated, hostile in mind, engaged in evil deeds, have now been reconciled through His death, in order that He might present us before God holy and blameless and beyond reproach. Our transgressions have been blotted out, our iniquity washed thoroughly, our sin cleansed . . . a new heart has been created in us, a steadfast spirit renewed, the joy of our salvation restored. This is the grace of our Lord Jesus, that though He was rich, yet for our sake He became poor, that we, through his poverty, might become rich.

There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. Having been justified, we have peace with God through Jesus Christ. Our consciences have been cleansed from dead works in order to worship the living God.

Arise, shine; our light has come, the glory of the Lord has risen on us. ‘Comfort, comfort for My people,’ says our God. Christ has come that we might have life, and might have it abundantly.

See how great a love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God; and such we are! He who did not spare His own son, but delivered him up for us all, how will He not also with him freely give us all things?

He will never desert us or forsake us. He is with us always, even to the end of the age. Indeed nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus . . . neither death, no life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing. If God is for us, who can be against us?

So, then, let us be anxious for nothing . . . for the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, shall stand as a sentry, guarding our hearts and our minds in Christ Jesus. And since he himself was tested in what he suffered, he is able to come to the aid of those who are tested . . . he can sympathize with us in our weaknesses. He is an anchor for our soul, sure and steadfast. Consequently, we who wait for the Lord will gain new strength; we will mount up with wings like eagles, we will run and not get tired, we will walk and not become weary. Our feet will be like hinds’ feet; we shall walk on high places. Though we may pass through the valley of the very shadow of death, we will fear no evil, for He is with us . . . and his goodness and mercy will follow us all the days of our lives.

His yoke is easy and his burden light . . . he is gentle and humble in heart . . . all who are weary and heavy laden can come to him and find rest. Even death has lost its sting . . . it has been swallowed up in victory. For our Lord Jesus is the resurrection and the life; whoever believes in him shall live even if he dies, and everyone who lives and believes in him shall never die. Do you believe this? If so, do not let your hearts be troubled; believe in God; believe also in Jesus. In his father’s house are many dwelling places . . . he goes to prepare a place for you. And he will come again and receive you to himself; that where he is, there you may be also.

What do we have that we did not receive? What, then, shall we render to the Lord for all his benefits to us?

Let us give thanks to the Lord, for He is good. Let us give thanks in everything. Thanks be to God who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Thanks be to God who leads us in triumph in Christ. Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift. We give thanks to You, O Lord God Almighty, the One who is and who was because you have taken your great power and have begun to reign. It is good to give thanks to the Lord. Let us give thanks to him and bless His name. For the Lord is good. His lovingkindness is everlasting, and His faithfulness to all generations.

Now may the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with us all. Forever. Amen.

__________

Originally compiled and presented by Dr. Tim Savage. November 19, 1995 at Camelback Bible Church, Paradise Valley, Arizona. Reprinted and used by permission.

Scripture references used:
Exodus 8:10; Isaiah 40:21-22; Psalm 8: 1, 3, 5; Psalm 139: 3-4, 6, 13-14; Lamentations 3:21-22; Deuteronomy 30:15; Psalm 18: 31, 35-36; Psalm 84:10; Psalm 40:4; Hosea 5:4; Isaiah 53:6; Romans 3:11-12; Isaiah 1:4; Romans 3:23; Romans 6:23; Ezekiel 18:23; Ezekiel 36:29; Isaiah 9:1, 6; John 3:16; Isaiah 53:2-6; Philippians 2:6-7; Mark 10:45; John 10:11; Romans 5:8; John 15:13-14; Isaiah 53:8; 2 Corinthians 5:21; Colossians 1:21-22; Psalm 51:1-2, 10-12; 2 Corinthians 8:9; Romans 8:1; Romans 5:1; Hebrews 9:14; Isaiah 60:1; Isaiah 40:1; John 10:10; 1 John 3:1; Romans 8:32; Hebrews 13:5; Matthew 28:20; Romans 8:38-39; Romans 8:31; Philippians 4:6-7; Hebrews 2:18; 4:15; Hebrews 6:20; Isaiah 40:31; Habakkuk 3:19; Psalm 23:4-6; Matthew 11:28-30; 1 Corinthians 15:54b-55; John 11:25-26; John 14:1-3; 1 Corinthians 4:7; Psalm 116:12; Psalm 136:1; 1 Thessalonians 5:18; 1 Corinthians 15:57; 2 Corinthians 2:14; 2 Corinthians 9:15; Revelation 11:17; Psalm 92:1; Psalm 100:4-5; 2 Corinthians 13:14

What Makes a Christian Book “Christian”? (Part Three)

October 5, 2011 in Business, Karen, Publishing, Theology, Writing with 53 Comments

by Karen Ball


So, there I were, surrounded by publishing professionals, faced with the question of whether or not we liked–or respected–our end consumer: the reader.

Publishing folk are a freaky bunch. They love to think and debate and share ideas and dissect and explore. Get a whole room of editors going and nothing is sacred. At the same time, everything is. At their core, publishing professionals recognize–and love–the power of words. Spoken, written, sung from the rooftops–words contain the power to create and cultivate, encourage and empower…or decimate and destroy. These particular folks also love God and His Word. So their drive is work on books that impact lives rather than books that just entertain.

So, what did they say, these learned, insightful, imaginative folks? At first, nothing. They stopped–really stopped–to consider the answer to whether or not they like the reader. Publishing pros are great at pondering.

I am, of course, a publishing pro. I’m an editor and an agent. But I’m also a writer. And I’m an ENFP, which, according to the Myers-Brigg Type Indicator, means I’m basically a Golden Retriever. So no surprise I can’t ponder long. Or let others do so. My mind always bounces to the next thing to explore, and I find that’s often how you discover answers. So as they pondered I posed another question: “Who is your audience?”

Responses flew:

  • Predominately female
  • Age range: 34-80s
  • Over 40
  • Conservative Faith/Evangelical
  • Most likely Republican
  • Mother
  • Mostly stay at home
  • Some professional people
  • Men, but not a lot
  • Usually women bought for the male readers
  • Very few in 18-34 age range

From there the discussion morphed into how to reach our current audience better, as well as reaching those beyond:

  • the 18-34 demographic
  • those who aren’t overtly Christian but interested in spiritual issues
  • men
  • Post-moderns
  • …and on and on.

Again, ideas flew. From using technology better and more strategically (e.g., e-books, book readers, online downloads), to reconsidering format (imaginative use of packaging, layout, content), to allowing for open-ended books (e.g., story isn’t all wrapped up at the end, leave some questions unanswered). Ideas fairly sizzled through the room.

As I listened, I had–you guessed it–this incredible feeling of deja vu. I’d been in this very dialogue already that year. Twice, in fact. Once at a retreat attended by nearly 100 published authors. The second time at the ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers) conference. Editors, writers, even readers…we’re all struggling with the same issues.

Now, don’t hear me saying there isn’t a place for books that primarily encourage and entertain. Books that don’t ask hard questions, but give the reader a wonderful, wholesome story. I don’t think the majority of us want to eliminate those books. Not at all.

But in all these conversations I heard the same frustration of being held back, of not being able to write with authenticity. I’ll never agree that Christian fiction–or fiction written to glorify God–should contain graphic language, sexuality, or violence, but I understand the frustration. Writers, editors, and–from your responses–readers want fiction that digs deep, that challenges and pushes as well as comforts and encourages. All of us want to be iron sharpening iron.

So, you say, why don’t you all follow Nike’s admonition and JUST DO IT? What’s holding us back?

Before I answer, I’m curious what you think the answers are. What do YOU think holds publishers, editors, and writers back from writing the kinds of books they want to do? The kinds of books many of you have said you want?

Look forward to your insights!

 

 

 

 

 

 

What Makes a Christian Book “Christian”? (Part Two)

September 28, 2011 in Business, Karen, Publishing, Theology with 46 Comments

by Karen Ball


So what are some of the answers I’ve been given to the question “What makes a Christian book Christian”? Consider the following:

  • Written from a Christian world view
  • Story offers hope
  • Core of the story shows importance of faith in Christ

Similar to the things you all wrote in your comments (though I think your responses went far deeper.) But I’ve also been peppered with the following critical comments regarding Christian books:

  • It’s safe
  • It doesn’t challenge the status quo
  • It doesn’t leave anything unsettled, everything’s resolved
  • Quality doesn’t match that of ABA books
  • Easy answers
  • Doesn’t make readers think
  • Affirms readers beliefs and perspective

Notice a trend here? Now, before you get upset or think these folks are totally out of touch, let me point out that this view of Christian writing comes most often from professionals in the field rather than from the readers themselves. Or from those who haven’t picked up a Christian book in decades. But if we’re being honest, some readers agree with those descriptions.

The last time I was tangled in this debate, I came to a conclusion. And so I turned to those gathered and offered the following: “You really don’t like this consumer much, do you?”

No response. But I could tell that, indeed, they weren’t crazy about this person. This simplistic non-thinker who only wants books that offer a kind of pabulum to the masses determined to hide in their safe churches and faith, never questioning, never facing real life.

Can’t say I blame them, can you? I wouldn’t care much for that kind of person, either. But here’s the thing: I don’t know many Christians like that. And I sure haven’t met many readers like that. From the reader letters I get as an author, it’s clear those who read Christian fiction are looking for books that not only make them think, but that challenge them–even PUSH them–to go beyond themselves and what they think they know. In the letters and emails my authors receive from their readers, we’ve found people who are facing life’s ambiguities and inequities full-force. Yes, they long for something to give them answers. But even more than that, they long for something to tell them, quite simply and honestly, that they’re not alone. That they’re not the only Christians out there who:

Doubt

Struggle

Wrestle with God over living a life of faith in an insane and hostile world

Don’t appreciate easy or pat answers

Want to KNOW God. Intimately. Even when it’s scary or uncomfortable or painful. Which, as anyone who’s walked a hard path knows, it is.

Often.

Cool thing, though, about that debate is that it didn’t end there. In fact, it led us all deeper. And I’ll tell you how and where.

In a minute.

First, I want to know who you think today’s Christian reader is? Why do you think s/he reads Christian books? What are you hearing from the readers around you about the books they’re reading? And, if you care to share, what novel or nonfiction Christian book have you read lately that lived up to your expectations?

So share your thoughts…and stay tuned for Part 3.

 

 

 

 

 

What Makes a Christian Book “Christian”? (Part One)

September 21, 2011 in Karen, Publishing, Theology with 57 Comments

by Karen Ball


I had this discussion over a year ago on my blog, but thought it would be a good discussion for all of you, too. In some ways, publishing is in a state of unbelievable flux. In others, it’s utterly grounded and unshakeable. Good and bad on both sides.

But here’s what I find fascinating–and a bit worrisome. There’s a seemingless endless debate on what makes a Christian book Christian? Is it the context of the book or the faith of the author? What’s in the book or what isn’t? The tone or the specifics? Believe me, when I find myself in this debate, the answers come fast and furious and are as varied as can be. But before I share any thoughts or conclusions, I want to know what you think.

So, as a reader or a writer, what are you looking for in a book from a “Christian” publishing house? Or from a Christian writer.
What do you expect to find.
What do you expect NOT to find?
What makes a book “Christian”?

Please share your thoughts. And then I’ll let you know some of the discoveries I’ve made about this topic…and what other questions it’s led me to.

Peace!

 

 

 

 

 

 

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