Getting to Know the Library--part 2
Approximately one quarter of the books in the church library are adult fiction. Some Christians have questioned the value of fiction, and even prohibit their children from reading fairytales or fantasy books. And the popularity of romance novels in the general public may make fiction seem unworthy of attention.
So why read fiction? One answer was given by C. S. Lewis: "Each of us by nature sees the whole world from one point of view with a perspective and a selectiveness peculiar to himself. We want to see with other eyes, to imagine with other imaginations, to feel with other hearts, as well as with our own." (An Experiment in Criticism, pp. 137-8) Through well-written fiction we can enter the worlds of people unlike ourselves, either in their family situations, or their place in history, or their area of residence. And in specifically Christian fiction we can learn from the mistakes and victories of other believers, or non-believers, as they face problems in their lives, with or without the help of God.
What are the characteristics of good Christian fiction? In my opinion, these include: well-developed characters, with at least some operating under a Christian worldview; the results of bad actions shown in a correct light; sin, romance, or violence not described in sensational detail; and a plot resolution that builds faith. Some might also insist on an explicit Gospel presentation, but a good writer should be able to get the point across without being "preachy," and as a natural development of the story.
Here are some fiction books or book series in the church library that are "good reads".
Note: since fiction books are filed alphabetically by title under each author, and not together as a series, there is a listing of the fiction series available to help you find the books that go together.
Library News - March 2007
This series fleshes out characters and stories of the New Testament, including the man born blind, Mary Magdalene, the Roman Centurion, and the demon-possessed boy.
This Old Testament series starts with the story of King Hezekiah, and gives historical background on Israel's internal struggles and relations with surrounding nations.
This historical series takes place in Lowell, Massachusetts in the days of the great cotton mills in the early 1800s, showing the lives of "mill girls", the economics of the cotton trade that will affect the Civil War, as well as the struggles of newly arrived immigrants.
This contemporary series follows the lives of a group of women in Chicago who continue the prayer group they were randomly assigned to at a women's conference, with women from varying situations and ethnicities.
The story of a new Bible translator in South America, with the theme of the sovereignty of God.
These have been some of the most popular fiction books in the library in recent weeks. Each stands on its own in time or place, but each has a powerful message.