Last summer my family and I flew to South Korea and back so we needed to fill several hours with entertainment. Korean Air provides a selection of movies, so I decided to view “Gentleman’s Agreement” since I’d never seen this classic film.

I knew the story addressed the evils of anti-semitism. Of course, I am opposed to anti-semitism so I have no problem with a story coming from this viewpoint. But as for the film itself — though I’m sure some will disagree with me — I found it disappointing. I felt the story portrayed the message in such a heavy-handed way that the lesson overpowered the drama. I fell asleep mid-way through the film.

Likewise, with Christian fiction, I don’t want a 300-page sermon. I am choosing the book knowing that I will agree with the author’s world view. I don’t mind seeing characters in church, or even reading snippets of a key sermon as long as those elements are natural to the story. I enjoy a full sermon from my pastor during what we call preachin’ here in the South. Allow me to relish a great story infused with Christian love and spirit in my leisure reading.

Your turn:

What is your favorite Christian novel?

Can you give an example of a sermon being used effectively within Christian fiction?

Do you like to see a character come to Christ as a result of an altar call?

How do your favorite authors infuse the Christian faith within their stories?