What Determines African American Christian Fiction Novels

By Richard Barnes


Every piece of writing has its characteristics that are unique from another. These dictate the contents that must appear in those books. For authors, therefore, they need to understand this even before they start deciding on writing any work of literature. The following are features of African American Christian fiction novels.

Bases romance in more than physical attraction. The process through which two actors come to fall in love through romance is portrayed as more than the physical appearance of the individuals. They should show other factors that brought about romance other than beauty and physical qualities of the involved parties. These other factors should include those that lie within the heart and mind of people especially salvation, love for everyone and a good heart with a strong personality.

Avoid violence and revenge. These two are sinful acts according to the bible. They are acts of those who do not believe in doing good. The Bible emphasizes that one shows good to those who hurt them and resistance of actions that may inflict pain to the people. Violence leads to the pouring of blood and inflicts pain.

Do not glamorize sexual sin. Usage of sexual sin scenes is discouraged from being used in these kinds of books. Sexual sin is against the Bible and not Christ-like. Many authors nowadays have portrayed the use of sexual sin in every writing they make. However much of teachings they try to bring out in it, the fact remains that that sin is emphasized in the book or is praised so much. Although sometimes, many use it and in case you do ensure that you point out how much it is a sin and the consequences one suffers because of it.

Do not use profanity. Profanity is evil and satanic. The author who uses abusive language and a bad word in writing a Christian fiction lacks the morality in them. People write what they are and a writer who uses profanity in their work are themselves profane. You cannot pass what you do not have to people, the same way a writer cannot write what is not in themselves. Therefore the use of profanity shows the author is a non-believer hence mockery to believers.

Actors who are believers should act in integrity or suffer the consequences. Believers acting in the given book should be portrayed as people who follow morality and integrity in their actions. They should not be allowed to win in cases of compromising their personalities to fit their circumstances. In such compromise, the author needs to show the consequences of their actions.

It has a Christian message. The book should show the teachings that the reader is to learn after reading the book. It should have a meaningful purpose in the life of a believer and its message be based on the moral teachings. The message is what changes the reader.

It has a biblical basis. As a book meant to shape the lives of those who believe in the Bible, it requires a basis that automatically shows its source. It is not to portray different backgrounds of information to avoid confusion to the readers. The basis helps in avoiding misleading messages.




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