"...it's important to remember that the very concept of "romantic love," which is so celebrated in movies, songs, and cheap paperbacks, was virtually unknown to the ancients." from Sacred Marriage by Gary Thomas, Pg. 13
Being a Christian Romance writer, the "cheap paperbacks" got to me in this statement as Gary Thomas is an author deserving respect, I believe.
This author, Gary Thomas, based his books Sacred Marriage and Devotions for a Sacred Marriage on the following powerfully, insightful question: "What if God designed marriage to make us holy more than to make us happy?"
The profoundness of this concept has made me stop and really question if I'm depicting my "Christian Romance" stories in a biblical sound way. Have I put enough emphasis on the spiritual growth thread in my stories? Is the concept of a SACRED LOVE exemplified in my stories, or is romance dust, which is easily displaced like the real thing, sprinkled too liberally on my pages?
As a Christian writer I know that I have the responsibility of using the stories God gives me as a ministry for Him. Yes, I write to entertain. People read fiction for entertainment, do they not? So clearly, if I feel called to write Christian fiction, then entertaining must be a part of the package. But I must always remember to entertain within the confines of God's truth. Being certain that my stories depict God's love as far surpassing romantic allure is a must, and yet I need to do this in an entertaining way so that people will read it to actually gain some spiritual growth through it.
So writers of Christian romances, I ask you: How do you include the sacredness of true love in your novels while providing just enough of the "feel good" romantic elements to entertain us earthly beings?
GIVEAWAY: Remember the "Valentine Draw" currently running on my blog. Click on this line for more info.
Blessings,
Eileen
3 comments:
To make us holy? Wha??? You mean the butterflies are just a side? LOL I totally agree with that assessment. In my stories, I try to have my hero and heroine make each other better people by illuminating each other's flaws/weaknesses. It adds for conflict too! :-)
Oh, that's a great way to bring in realism and open the path for growth spiritually and all.
To make us holy instead of to make us happy--wow! That's a profound thought. I need to examine my stories more closely.
Post a Comment